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NEW MANUAL 



OF 



HOMOEOPATHIC 

VETERINARY MEDICINE: 



OR, 



THE HOMCEOPATHIC TREATMENT 



THE HORSE, THE OX, THE SHEEP, THE DOG, AND 
OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



By F. A. GUNTHER. 



TRANSLATED FROM THE THIRD GERMAN EDITION, WITH CONSIDERABLE 
ADDITIONS. 



REPRINTED FROM THE LONDON EDITION. 



BOSTON: 

OTIS CLAPP, SCHOOL STREET 
NEW YORK, WM. RADDE, 322, BROADWAY. 
PHILADELPHIA, C. L. RADEMACHER. 
CINCINNATI, J. F. DESILVER. 



MDCCCXLVII. 



z 



OfFT 

BERTRAM SMfTH 

, 3 ■* 



%/ 1 



boston: 
printed by freeman and bolles, 

DEVONSHIRE STREET. 



; 2 



■ 



NOTICE BY THE TRANSLATOR 



The want of a more extended guide than has yet 
appeared in the English language on Homoeopathic 
Veterinary Practice, has induced the translation of the 
present work. 

The Translator has deviated from the plan of the 
original, so far as regards the classification of the 
various diseases, and the treatment as applied to the 
different domestic animals ; this arrangement will fyp 
found to render the work of more easy reference. e 

From the long practice the Translator has had in an 
English veterinary school, he is enabled to give many 
diseases not embraced by Gunther, which additions he 
believes will be valued by the public. 

London, 1846. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 
Preliminary Remarks . . . . . 1 

On the application of Homoeopathy to the diseases of domestic 

animals . 37 

Age of the horse 45 

A SLIGHT GLANCE AT THE STABLE, 

■■■: ; * 
WITH THE BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT OF DIFFERENT 

KINDS OF HORSES. 

On the Stable 56 

Breeding- ......... 58 

Management of youug horses 61 

A glance at shoeing . 65 

Symptoms of diseases of the horse . . . • 68 



DISEASES OF HORSES. 
SECTION I. 

DISEASES OF THE SKIN, WITH THE CELLULAR AND ADIPOSE 
TISSUE. 

Abscesses 76 

Alopecia; or falling off of the hair .... 77 

Anasarca . --. •.•.... ib. 



vni 



CONTENTS. 



Anticor ..... 

Exanthemes 

Fungus . 

Induration of the skin 

Mallanders and Sallanders 

CEdematous swelling of the legs 

Phthiriasis ; or Morbus Pedieularis 

Sweating 

Swelling of the teats 

Tetters 

Tubercles 

Tumors (cold) 

Tumor on the elbow . 

Tumors on the head 

Encysted tumors 

Sanguineous tumors 

Warts 



SECTION II 

MECHANICAL INJURIES, SPRAINS 

Burns . . 

Castration 

Contusions 

Curb 

Docking 

Fractures 

Fistula of the withers 

Luxation of the patella 

Pole evil 

Ringbone . 

Spavin 

Splint 

Sprain of the fetlock 

Strain of the loins 

Injury of the scapulo-humeral joint 

Straining of the shoulder 



AND EXOSTOSIS. 



CONTENTS. 



i\ 



Straining of the tendons 

Strain of the haunch 

Stings of bees 

Swelling of the knee 

Varix 

Wounds 

Bars, wounds of the 

Contused wounds 

Wounds on the knee 

of the nose 

of the tongue 

of the eyes 



Page 
101 
102 
103 
104 

ib. 

ib. 
105 

ib. 
106 
107 

ib. 
108 



SECTION III. 



DISEASES OF THE EYES' 



BRAIN AND NERVES 
THE EYE. 



Albugo .... 

Amaurosis ; or, Gutta Serena 
Apoplexy .... 
Lippitude — Blearedness 
Cataract .... 

Concussion of the brain 
Encephalitis 

Epilepsy .... 
Nervous fever 
Fungus Haematodes 
Involuntary closing of the eyelids 
Lachrymation ; or weeping 
Ophthalmia .... 
Swelling of the eyes . 
Paralysis .... 

Ptergium .... 
Syncope 

Tetanus . . . . 
Vertigo .... 



DESCRIPTION OP 



108 
109 
110 
111 

ib. 



112 
113 

114 
115 
117 

ib. 

ib. 
118 
121 

ib. 
123 

ib. 
124 
127 



CONTENTS. 

SECTION IV. 

DISEASES OF THE HEART AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS, 



Angina Trachealis 

Beatings of the heart 

Acute bronchitis 

Broken wind 

Catarrh 

Cough 

Hemoptysis 

Hydrothorax 

Inflammation 

■ of the throat 

■ — of the palate 



Pneumonia 



130 
131 

ib. 
132 
133 
134 
135 
136 

ib. 
137 

ib. 

ib. 



SECTION V. 

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES, &C. 

Absence of thirst 139 

Depraved appetite ....... 140 

Loss of appetite ....... ib. 

Ascites .141 

Colic 142 

■ from constipation 145 

from cold 146 

Flatulent, or windy colic ib. 

Colic (verminous) 148 

Diarrhoea 149 

Enteritis ......... 150 

Fistula 151 

Fistula in ano ........ 152 

Gastritis . . . . . . . . 152 

Hernia . 4 ib. 

Indigestion „ , . .154 



CONTENTS. 



XI 



Overloading of the stomach 
Peritonitis 



Page 
156 
ib. 



SECTION VI. 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS AND ORGANS OF GENERATION. 



Abortion 

Calculi (vesical) 

Cystitis 

Difficult parturition 

Diabetes 

Swelling of the genitals 

Gonorrhoea 

Hematuria 

Incontinence of urine 

Nephritis 

Nymphomania 

Pain of kidneys from pressure 

Retention of urine 

Satyriasis .... 

Inflammation of the scrotum 

Spasm of the bladder 

Spermatorrhoea 

Stranguary, (Retention of urine) 



157 
158 

ib. 
159 
160 
161 

ib. 

ib. 
162 

A. 

163 

164 

ib. 
165 

ib. 
166 

167 
ib. 



SECTION VII. 

DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN. 

Jaundice 168 

Hepatitis ib. 

Splenitis ......... 169 



SECTION VIII. 

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, &C. 

Aphthae, or Thrush 



170 



Xll CONTENTS. 

Pa?e 

Carbuncle on the tongue 171 

Caries ib. 

Fistula on the nose ....... ib. 

Glossititis 172 

Otitis ......... ib. 

Ozena ......... ib. 

Parotiditis 173 



SECTION IX. 



FEVERS 



173 
174 

ib. 

176 

ib. 

Ill 



Fever attended with chillness 
Inflammatory fever 
Fever attended with putridity- 
Traumatic fever 
Tuberculous fever 
Influenza, or Catarrhal fever 
Strangles .... 
Typhus ...... 180 

SECTION X. 

GENERALITIES. 

Atrophy 184 

Emaciation ........ ib. 

Bursal enlargements 185 

Swelling and ossification of the bones . . . ib. 

Crib biting 186 

Farcy 187 

Fatigue 188 

Forging . 189 

Glanders 190 

Hemorrhage 191 

Rabies ......... ib. 

Rheumatism . 192 



CONTENTS. Xlll 

Page 

Suppuration . 193 

Wild look 194 



SECTION XL 

DISEASES OF THE FEET. 

Bruise of the sole ...--..,. . ..... . 194 

Contraction of the hoof 195 

Founder 196 

Sand-crack 199 

Thrush, or Trush . . . .... 200 

Wounds of the foot . ib. 

Lameness from the prick of a nail . . . .201 

SECTION XII. 

SUPPLEMENTARY. 

Pimples 202 

Mange . 203 

Description of the eye .......... 204 

Phthisis Pulmonalis 208 

Constipation . 209 

Worms 210 

Lampas . . . . . . . .211 

Luxation ........ 212 

Rat's Tail ib. 



DISEASES OF OXEN. 

Preliminary Remarks 213 

SECTION I. 

GENERALITIES. 

Abscess 220 



XIV 



CONTENTS. 



Anorexia 
Boulimia 
Caries 

Crusta lactea 
Cysts 
Contusions 
Epilepsy- 
Fever (inflammatory) 
Fever (nervous) 
Puerperal Fever 
Fractures 

Fragility of the bones 
Fungus 
Gad-flies 
Luxations 
Lameness 
Madness 
Marasmus 
Meteorization 
Alterations of milk 
(Edema 
Paralysis 
Rheumatism 
Rottenness 
Rumination 
Sponge 
Sprain 

Stings of insects 
Swelling of the bones 
Tic 

Tubercles 
Tumors 
Wounds 



Page 
221 
222 

ib. 
223 

ib. 
224 

ib. 
225 
226 
227 
228 
229 

ib. 
230 

ib. 
231 
232 
234 

ib. 
236 
237 
238 

ib. 
239 
240 

ib. 
241 

ib. 

ib. 
242 

ib. 
243 

ib. 



SECTION II. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



Anasarca 



244 



CONTENTS. 



XV 



Page 

Chops j or cracks 245 

Exanthemes ib. 

Goitres 246 

Itch or Mange 247 

Phthiriasis 248 

Warts ib. 

SECTION III. 



DISEASES OF THE BRAIN, EYES, MOUTH, &C. 

Diseases of the Ears 

Aphthae 

Anthrax of the tongue 

Dizziness 

Encephalitis 

Glossitis, (inflammation of the tongue) 

Ophthalmia 

Swelling of the head 

Teeth (shaking or loose) 

Tongue, (lesions of) 

Trismus of the jaws 

Vertigo 



249 

ib. 
250 
251 
252 
253 

ib. 
255 

ib. 

ib. 
256 

ib. 



SECTION IV. 

DISEASES OF THE TRACHEA, RESPIRATORY ORGANS, &C. 

Angina 257 

Catarrh 259 

(Pulmonary) ib. 

Cough 260 

Hydrothorax ib. 

Phthisis . . . . . . . . . 264 

Pneumonia 265 



XVI 



CONTENTS* 



SECTION V. 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER, STOMACH, AND INTESTINES. 

Colic ......... 

Constipation ........ 

Diarrhoea ........ 

Dysentery 

Enteritis 

Gastritis 

Hepatitis 

Hernia 

Indigestion 

Jaundice 

Peritonitis 

Rectum, (Fall of the) . 

Splenitis ....... 

Disease of the stomach, &c, from grazing in woods 
Worms ........ 



Page 
266 
267 

ib, 
269 
270 
271 
272 
273 
274 
275 
276 
277 
278 

ib. 
279 



SECTION VI. 

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS, AND ORGANS OF 
GENERATION. 



Abortion . , 

Bladder (Spasm of) 

Calculus (in the bladder) 

Castration 

Cystitis 

Diabetes 

Hematuria 

Metritis 

Nephritis 

Partruition 

Teats (disease of the) 

Retention of urine 

Fall of the matrix 



280 
281 
282 
283 
284 

ib. 
285 
286 

ib. 
287 
288 
290 
291 



CONTENTS. XV11 

SECTION VII. 

STRAINS AND DISEASES OF THE EXTREMITIES. 

Page 

Feet (Diseases of the) ...... 292 

Foul in the foot ib. 

Hoofs (Wearing of ) 293 

Inflammation of the interdigital space .... 294 

of the lamina ib. 

Strain of the shoulder ....... 296 

of the haunch 297 

of the loins ib. 

Swelling of the thigh 298 

■ of the knees ib. 

of the foot ....... ib. 

Tail (Diseases of the) .... . 299 

SECTION VIII. 

SUPPLEMENTARY. 

Typhus ......... 299 

Burns 304 

CEdemaofthelegs 305 

Itching ib. 

Stomacace, (Ulceration of the mouth) . . . ib. 

Pleurisy ......... 306 



DISEASES OF SHEEP. 

SECTION I. 

GENERALITIES. 

Anorexia 311 

Disease of blood ib. 

b* 



XV1U 



CONTENTS. 



Cachexia (Aquosa) 
Epilepsy- 
Inflammatory fever 
Forage 
Foundering 
Fractures 
Gad-fly 

Bites of insects 
Lameness 
Luxations 
Madness 
Scab 
Rot 

Shaking 
Wounds 



Page 
313 
314 
315 
316 
319 
320 

ib. 
321 

ib. 
322 

ib. 
323 
325 
327 
328 



SECTION II. 



EXTERNAL DISEASES, AND THOSE OF THE MOUTH AND 
THROAT. 



Angina 

Aphthae; 

Abscess between the cleft 

Black mouth 

Carbuncle of the tongue 

Cough 

Erysipelas 

Diseases of the eyes 

Foot-rot 

Itch 

Swelling of the teats 

Ulcerated mouth (Stomacace) 

Wounds of the cleft of the foot 



329 
330 

ib. 
331 

ib. 
332 

ib. 

ib. 
333 
335 
337 

ib. 
338 





CONTENTS. 


XIX 




SECTION III. 






INTERNAL DISEASES. 


Page 


Colic 




339 


Constipation 


. 


. 341 


Coryza 




ib. 


Disease of the stomach from eating certain plants 


. 342 


Diabetes 


...... 


ib. 


Diarrhoea 


...... 


. 443 


Dizziness 




344 


Dysentery 


. 


. 345 


Encephalitis 




346 


Enteritis 


....... 


ib. 


Hematuria 




347 


Hepatitis 




ib. 


Jaundice 


. 


348 


Nephritis 


. 


ib. 


Pneumonia 


. 


349 


Tetanus 


. 


. 350 


Tympanitis 




ib. 


Vertigo 




. 351 


Worms 


• . . . • • 


ib. 



DISEASES OF DOGS. 
SECTION I. 

GENERALITIES. 

Abscess . . . . . . . • • 355 

Appetite (Voracious) 356 

Burns ib. 

Distemper *#• 

Dropsy ......... 358 



XX CONTENTS. 

Page 

Epilepsy 358 

Fever (Inflammatory) . 359 

Fever (Putrid and Nervous) ..... ib. 

Foundering ........ 360 

Fractures ........ ib. 

Hcemorrhage ib. 

Lameness 361 

Luxations ......... ib. 

Rabies ......... ib. 

Rheumatism ........ 365 

Variola ......... ib. 

Vomiting 366 

Warts ......... ib. 

Wounds ......... ib. 

SECTION II. 

EXTERNAL DISEASES AND THOSE AFFECTING THE MOUTH 
AND THROAT. 

Angina 367 

Aphthae ......... ib. 

Coryza 368 

Ears (Diseases of the) ib. 

(Esophagus (Foreign bodies in the) .... S69 

Feet (Injuries of the) ....... ib. 

Sore feet ........ 370 

Furuncles, or boils ib. 

Lippitude ........ ib. 

Sponge ......... 371 

Mange ib. 

Ophthalmia ......... ib. 

Ozena ......... 372 

Pterygion ,...,...* ib. 



CONTENTS. 



XXI 



SECTION III. 

INTERNAL DISEASES. 



Colic ..... 

Constipation .... 

Cough 

Profuse discharge of urine 
Diarrhoea .... 

Gastritis (Inflammation of the stomach) 
Meteorismus .... 
Pneumonia ..... 
Spasms ..... 
Urine (Retention of) 
Uterus (Falling of the) 
Vertigo ..... 

Worms ..... 



Page 

373 

ib. 

ib. 

374 

ib. 

ib. 
375 

ib. 

ib. 
376 

ib. 

ib. 
377 



DISEASES OF SWINE 





SECTION I. 






GENERALITIES . 




Anorexia 




. 37S 


Angina 


. 


380 


Emaciation 


. 


, 381 


Epilepsy 




ib. 


Fever 




. 382 


Foundering 




ib. 


Fractures 




ib. 


Luxations 




ib. 


Madness 




. 333 


Measles 




ib. 


Rot 




. 334 



XX11 


CONTENTS. 


Page 


Tumors 




384 


Wounds 


SECTION II. 


. 385 



EXTERNAL DISEASES, WITH THOSE AFFECTING THE MOUTH 
AND THROAT. 

Ears (Diseases of the) 385 

Soreness of feet ........ 386 

Fire (St. Anthony's) ib. 

Soie 5 Disease of the bristles ..... 388 

Morbus Pedicularis . ib. 

Ophthalmia . 389 

Phthiriasis ........ 390 

Red sweat 391 

SECTION III. 

INTERNAL DISEASE. 

Ascites . • 391 

Catarrh (Pulmonary) ib. 

Colic ......... 392 

Diarrhoea ......... ib. 

Encephalitis ........ 393 

Frenzy ....... ib. 

Gastritis ......... 394 

Jaundice ......... 4b* 

Itch (Gale) ib. 

Pneumonia 395 

Prolapsus of the rectum ...... 396 

Tympanitis ......... ib. 

Vomiting . 397 



CONTENTS. 



XXI 11 



DISEASES OF GOATS 
SECTION I. 

GENERALITIES. 



Anorexia 

Emaciation 

Wounds 



Page 

400 

401 

ib. 



SECTION II. 

EXTERNAL DISEASES. 



Feet (Diseases of the) 
Falling- off of the hair 
Ophthalmia 



402 

ib. 

403 



SECTION III. 

INTERNAL DISEASES. 

Colic 403 

Cough . 404 

Dropsy 405 

Disease from feeding in the woods .... ib. 

Encephalitis ib. 

Hematuria ......... 406 

Mammae (Diseases of the) ib. 

Pneumonia ......... 407 

Itch ib. 

Inflammation of the belly ...... ib. 

Meteorization 408 

Vertigo ib. 



HOMOEOPATHIC 

VETERINARY MEDICINE 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

Homceopathy is a term derived from the Greek, by 
which Hahnemann designated a medical doctrine,* 
founded on the immutable laws of nature, which is now 
spreading every day more and more throughout the 
civilized countries of Europe, Asia, America, and 
Africa, by reason of the brilliant results which it has 
attained within the last thirty years ; and the principles 
of which are directly opposed to those of the old school. 
This old school, to which its partisans apply the flatter- 
ing title of rational, but to which Hahnemann applies 
with more justice, that of allopathic, in order to denote 
in what it differs from his own, applied to the treatment 
of disease, means contrary to the symptoms of the 
latter, for instance, calorifics against cold, refrigerants 
against febrile heat, or substances capable in themselves 
of exciting a disease which bears no relation to that 
which they are employed to combat. This latter 
method is that which, properly speaking, merits the 

* Exposition of the Homoeopathic Medical Doctrine, or Orsra- 
non of the Art of Healing, Svo. New York: see also the French 
Edition. 

1 



4 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

name of allopathy ; the other being designated by that 
of antipathy. Setting out from an entirely opposite 
principle, homoeopathy combats disease only by sub- 
stances which, when taken in large doses, have the 
power of exciting a similar one in man in the state of 
health. 

As far as regards the fundamental principle of 
homoeopathy, it is well known that without having the 
least suspicion of the new doctrine, persons have for a 
long time back taken it as their guide in the selection 
of several domestic means, whose efficacy is fully as- 
certained. Thus after burning the finger, we hold it 
to the fire, and in this way cure the mischief exceed- 
ingly well by the same means which would produce it 
on another healthy finger. In the same manner a drop 
of melted wax falling on the hand, is attended by no 
unpleasant consequences, when, notwithstanding the 
pain it occasions, it is allowed to cool on the spot where 
it has fallen, instead of its being removed the moment 
it has fallen. When the mower feels himself too 
much heated, he drinks brandy, which cools him ; 
whilst the man who travels in winter, swallows cold 
beer, \tfhieh is sure "to warm him. A frozen limb is 
plunged into the snow, a thing which would be suffi- 
cient to freeze a healthy limb. Allopathy itself is in- 
debted for many of its best results to its employment 
of means adapted to produce similar morbid symptoms 
in a person in good health ; for it excites the artificial 
disease by vaccination in order to guard against small 
pox ; it prescribes sulphur against the itch, mercury 
against syphilis, bark against certain fevers ; and all 
these means produce in man in the state of health 
phenomena similar to those which, by their influence, 
it wishes to remove in persons who are in a state of 
disease. 

At first view it appears extraordinary that a substance 
capable of exciting a certain disease in a man in good 
health, should also possess the power of curing this 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. O 

same disease. But this phenomenon finds a satisfac- 
tory explanation in the fact repeatedly ascertained by 
experience, that when to a disease already present there 
is joined a new one having more or less affinity to it, 
the new disease extinguishes and removes the old one, 
if it equal or exceed it even by a slight degree in in- 
tensity, in the same manner as the light of the sun pre- 
vents that of the stars or of a candle from being seen ; 
and in the same way, also, as two balls propelled w T ith 
an equal force, which happen to meet, are immediately- 
arrested in their course. From such observations it 
will at once become evident that the homceopathist has 
to trouble himself merely about one matter, that is, to 
excite an artificial disease, resembling as closely as 
possible the natural existing disease, a condition indis- 
pensably necessary for the re-establishment of health. 
But as, according to a law with which every one is 
acquainted, two forces destroy each other only by their 
being similar with respect to their effects, it is necessary 
to calculate whether the degree of the artificial disease 
excited exceeds the natural disease ; but its excess in 
intensity must be very inconsiderable, otherwise, in 
place of the natural disease which would be extin- 
guished, we should have an artificial disease which 
would continue ; nothing then should remain of the 
latter, in order that the homoeopathic cure should take 
place. I deem it necessary to enter into some details 
here with respect to these two conditions. 

We have just now seen that the* homoeopathic phy- 
sician cures by occasioning, by means of medicines, a 
factitious disease, resembling, as much as possible, the 
natural disease. The ideas sanctioned by the old 
school seem to warrant us in thinking that there is 
here a double contradiction. How ? You profess to 
cure by exciting a new disease, and you have even 
recourse to medicines to produce this disease ! Let 
us first endeavor to form a clear and distinct idea of 
the medicine, and of the way in which it acts on the 



4 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

living organism. The correctness of the homoeopa- 
thic mode of proceeding will thus become as clear as 
day. 

The idea which allopathy has transmitted to us of 
medicines is altogether inaccurate. Let a man fall 
sick, he sends for a physician. The latter writes a 
recipe, and prescribes a mixture of two, three, or four 
substances, to which he ascribes curative virtues. The 
patient swallows the medicine with so much the more 
confidence, inasmuch as, reasoning from an old say- 
ing, he fancies that a large quantity of remedies is 
required to overcome a violent disease. The preju- 
dice which causes persons to attribute absolute curative 
properties to the substances coming from a shop, has 
been carried so far, that some followers of the old 
school, even when they felt the slightest illness, never- 
theless drugged themselves with medicines in the hope 
of attaining something more than health. "What a 
lamentable mistake. A medicine is some product of 
nature which occasions changes incompatible with the 
ordinary state of health in the state of the living 
body. Even poisons are medicines in this sense, en- 
dowed, to be sure, with a very powerful action, and a 
very small dose of which suffices to produce certain 
modifications in the system. This aptitude for pro- 
ducing a change in the state of the body is then the 
only peculiarity which distinguishes medicines from 
aliments. However, as nature never acts per saltum, 
as she always proceeds by imperceptible shades, there 
are also found among aliments a certain number of 
substances, which independently of the nutritive prin- 
ciple, possess within them a greater or less amount of 
medicinal virtue, so that very frequently, when they 
are taken in large quantity, they give rise to unpleas- 
ant effects by their medicinal influence, on the body, 
and which, though blunted by the effect of long habit, 
still becomes very perceptible under many circum- 
stances. But just as aliments pass into poisons by 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 



insensible degrees, in the same manner do poisons 
differ much from each other with respect to the inten- 
sity of their action. There is no absolute poison in 
nature ; for all poisons, employed seasonably and 
judiciously, become medicines, just as things the most 
innocent in themselves, may, by being abused, become 
dangerous poisons. 

Thus all medicines produce a change in the system, 
and everything which can give rise to such an effect, 
is a medicine. When a person, then, in good health 
takes a medicine, he becomes more or less ill, accord- 
ing to the energy of the medicinal substance ; for 
every change in the system can only be disease in a 
person who is in good health, or health in a sick per- 
son ; there are no means of conceiving a third case. 
Medicines then may also be called remedies or curative 
means, in so far as they modify the state of a patient, 
and the mission of the true physician is to know how 
to select them well, and to employ them judiciously. 

If we seek how the modifying substance (medicine) 
acts on the living organism, we are led to the follow- 
ing propositions which happily display all the impor- 
tance of the homoeopathic method. 

The organism, that is to say, the aggregate of all 
the solid and liquid parts, which, arranged in a cer- 
tain order, constitute the organized body, is pervaded, 
during life, by a power to which we apply the name 
of vital force, and which causes every organ to dis- 
charge the functions to which it has been destined 
by nature. If this discharge of the functions goes 
on without disturbance or interruption, the organism 
is in a normal or regular state, which we call health. 
But if any external influence comes to disturb the 
vital force of such or such an organ, thus to derange 
or stop some one of the wheels of the organism, a 
circumstance which is announced by certain extraor- 
dinary phenomena or unusual sensations, we say that 
there is disease, and we apply the name of symptoms 



6 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

of the disease to the irregular phenomena, the sensa- 
tions foreign to the state of health. Everything 
which may exercise a noxious influence on the vital 
force must then render the organism more or less 
diseased, according as the impression is more or less 
strong, and the vital force itself more or less energetic. 
If the attack is slight, the vital force resists it by its 
own reaction, and succeeds in restoring matters to 
the normal state ; it is then said that the disease is 
cured by the sole efforts of nature, and in employing 
the latter term, the vital force is meant, which had 
no need of foreign aid to drive away its threatening 
foe. If, on the contrary, the attack is severe, and 
the vital force itself has become more or less debili- 
tated, the latter can no longer suffice by itself, and 
it becomes necessary to come to its assistance, lest 
it should sink in the struggle. We bring assistance 
to it through medicines, which being well selected and 
judiciously administered, render their combination 
victorious. 

As soon as a substance endowed with medicinal 
virtues reaches the organism, it introduces into it 
a change more or less perceptible, and more or less 
permanent. The first of the phenomena excited by 
it are known by the name of primary effects. But 
the vital force, which hitherto had remained purely 
passive, raises itself with all its might against the 
impression which it receives. This is what is called 
the secondary effect, or reaction. The effect of reaction 
is always to produce a change precisely the reverse of 
that which had been occasioned by the medicine. This 
proposition forms the basis of homoeopathy : daily 
experience proves its truth. If, for instance, we 
plunge one arm into frozen water, it first becomes 
colder and paler than the other ; but after it has been 
well rubbed with a towel, it soon becomes not only 
hotter and redder, but even burning, and occasionally 
even inflamed. Of these two phenomena, the first is 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 7 

the primary effect of the cold water, and the second 
its secondary effect, that is to say, the result of the 
reaction of the organism ; between these two effects 
there is absolute opposition. In the same manner 
violent exercise at first occasions heat, which is after- 
wards succeeded by cold. Coffee at first stimulates, 
then disposes to sleep ; opium stupefies in the first 
place, then induces sleeplessness, &c. The homceopa- 
thist then acts agreeably to nature, when he opposes 
to each disease that medicinal substance whose primary 
effect it is to excite an analogous disease in man when 
in the state of health ; for he knows that the secondary 
effect of this substance must produce the state oppo- 
site to the disease which he wishes to cure, that is 
to say health. Hence it comes to pass that, in many 
cases, a dose of homoeopathic medicine is followed 
by a slight exasperation of the disease, or by what 
is termed homoeopathic aggravation, an event which 
should always be considered as favorable, because 
it proves that the remedy has been well selected. 
In fact every medicinal substance, at the time of its 
primary action, excites in the patient a morbid state 
analogous to that from which the object is to relieve 
him ; but as there is a very great analogy between 
these two states, and as the disease artificially excited, 
exceeds the natural disease somewhat in severity, it 
must appear to the patient that the latter is slightly 
aggravated. But because the primary effect has been 
identical, or at least as analogous as possible, the 
reaction cannot fail to induce the opposite state, that 
is to say health. 

Accordingly when the homoeopathic physician 
wishes to attack any disease whatever, he requires a 
medicine whose primary effect it is to excite a disease 
as analogous as possible, in order that the reaction 
may give rise to the opposite state, that is that it may 
restore health. It therefore becomes indispensably 
necessary to be well acquainted with the primary 



8 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

effects of medicinal substances- But this knowledge 
can be acquired only by trying each substance by it- 
self, and without any admixture, on a person in good 
health in doses of some strength. All the phenomena 
then observed in the individual experimented on, are 
the primary effects which we are justified in attribut- 
ing to it, after they have been verified by repeated and 
carefully conducted experiments. Homoeopathy pos- 
sesses, at this moment, about two hundred substances 
studied in this manner ; and it never attempts to ap- 
ply to the treatment of disease any substance which 
has not been subjected to this experimentation. Thus 
the cures it effects are necessary consequences, just 
as the farmer collects in wheat because he has sown 
wheat. 

Circumstances are not the same with respect to the 
cures effected by allopathy. As the old school fol- 
lows a course purely empirical, the cure, when it is 
obtained, is always the result of chance. A patient 
has fever — an intermittent fever : bark is given to him 
and he recovers his health. What is fever ? No one 
knows ; and hypotheses are heaped upon hypotheses 
on this subject. Bark cures certain fevers, this is an 
unquestionable fact. But what are these fevers ? We 
are again answered by hypotheses. Why does the 
patient get well ? We do not know. When he does 
not get well, why does he not recover his health ? 
We cannot tell. Is it not true then, that the cure has 
been the mere effect of chance ? # 

But if homoeopathy differs from the old school in 
its point of departure ; since, faithful to the laws of 
nature, it employs those substances only whose pri- 
mary effects are precisely the same as those of the 
disease, or at least resemble them very much, it dif- 
fers still further from it in another point of view, for it 



* See Hahnemann, Exposition of the Homoeopathic Doctrine, 
8vo., New York ; and the French Edition. 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 9 

never prescribes more than one single medicine at a 
time, and administers it always in as small a dose as 
possible. 

We know that allopathy makes use of mixtures 
more or less complex, that it opposes a particular 
remedy to each of the more prominent symptoms, 
and that it makes a mass of the entire, and confides 
it to the stomach. To proceed in this way is to sup- 
pose : 

1. That the stomach which receives the mixture, 
determines its destination, that, for instance, it sends 
one substance to the head, another to the feet, a third 
God knows where. 

2. That the combination of several substances, of- 
tentimes opposed in their effects, and therefore likely 
to neutralize one another, does not produce a new 
body capable of producing an unknown action on the 
organism. 

Common sense tells us that neither of these suppo- 
sitions can be admitted : to reject them there is no 
need to have the slightest notion either of the nature 
of man, or of the laws of chemistry. But the neces- 
sary consequence is that allopathy knows not the ef- 
fects of the mixtures of medicines which it employs ; 
and that it wishes to attain an end by means regard- 
ing whose mode of acting it knows absolutely nothing. 
Is not this risking the health and life of men ? 

In order to prove that these reproaches directed 
against the old school are not devoid of foundation, 
I shall borrow from some of its own partisans the fol- 
lowing passages, which will justify them. 

1. It is an absurdity to accumulate so many simple 
drugs into one and the same prescription. Wretched 
method ! — it only spoils and deteriorates the things 
which it thus combines. (Paracelsus.) 

2. To mix together several substances in one and 
the same prescription, is a proof that we take no- 
thing for our guide but hypotheses, that we abandon 



10 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

the issue to the hazard of mere conjectures, and that 
in consequence the poor patient is always deceived for 
his money. ( Van Helmont.) 

3. If we compare the good which half a dozen le- 
gitimate children of iEsculapius have done on earth 
since the origin of medicine, with the evils with which 
so many doctors have overwhelmed the human race ? 
it will be considered, no doubt, to have been much 
better that the world never knew anything of medical 
men. (Boerhaave.) 

4. Therapeutics is but a collection of hypotheses 
devised by medical men. As medicine has no fixed 
principles, as there is nothing determinate in it, as it 
possesses but a small number of facts on which we 
can reckon, each physician has a right to follow his 
own opinion. Where there is no science, but merely 
creeds, each creed has as much value as the others. 
Amid the profound darkness in which physicians 
walk, there is not the least ray of light which can 
serve to direct them. When two physicians meet at 
the bedside of a patient who is not dangerously ill, it 
often happens then, as it did to Cicero's augurs, that 
they have considerable difficulty in looking at each 
other without laughing. (Gir tanner.} 

5. What we know of the effects of medicines is 
purely empirical. All that is said of alteratives, depu- 
ratives, resolvents, incisives, is in a great measure but 
a figurative translation of dead nature into living na- 
ture. Up to the present time there are very few 
medicines with whose composition we are ac- 
quainted ; at least we know nothing of the respective 
proportions of their constituent principles, which, 
however, modify in a great degree their nature and 
their effects. We know not how they change in the 
body, become solved there into their elements, and 
combine with each other so as to form new substances. 
We know not what changes they occasion in the 
composition and form of the organic matters, how 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 11 

they excite them, what are the organs on which they 
act directly, and those on which they make an indirect 
impression : now, we must know all this in order to 
appreciate the connexion of the phenomena which oc- 
cur from the moment when the medicines are admin- 
istered, until their definite effects become declared, 
those by which they are made apparent to our senses, 
(Reil.) 

6. When we wish to remove the inflammatory 
state, we employ not nitre alone, or sal ammoniac 
alone, or a vegetable acid alone, but usually several 
substances, called antiphlogistic, at once : — is the ob- 
ject to combat putridity, one of the known antiseptics 
is not sufficient, such as bark, the mineral acids, arnica, 
serpentaria, &c. when administered in large doses ; 
we prefer to combine several of them, and we reckon 
on their collective effect, or rather we associate them 
together, because not knowing which is that which 
best suits the present case, we, as it were, leave to 
chance the care of selecting in the mixture that which 
is to answer the end. This is the reason, why it is so 
uncommon for us to have recourse to only one single 
medicine in order to excite sweat, to correct the 
blood, to remove congestions, to promote the excre- 
tions, and even to evacuate the prima via?. Our pre- 
scriptions are hardly ever simple, and consequently we 
have nothing positive regarding the effects peculiar to 
each of the substances which constitute them. In fact, 
our knowledge is far too limited with respect to the 
essential qualities of our medicines, and the number- 
less affinities which they develop when they are 
brought together, to allow us to say what will be the 
mode of acting of even the substance apparently the 
most indifferent, after it shall have been introduced 
into the body in combination with others. (Marcus 
Herz.) 

7. Unfortunately we have as yet but too few cer- 
tain ideas regarding the real powers of medicines, and 



12 PRELIMINARY REMARKS, 

the modifications they effect in the human body, 
That which we are chiefly deficient in almost every 
instance, is the power of distinguishing the primary 
from the consecutive effects, the principal effects from 
those which are accessory and accidental. It is pre- 
cisely from this, it follows, that we are unable, in any 
disease, to calculate the effects of such or such a 
substance, to prevent it from acting too much or too 
little, to obviate the useless consecutive or accessory 
phenomena which it may produce. Now, every one 
sees that this inability stamps our practice with the 
seal of imperfection. (Joerg.) 

8. Want of success in the treatment of diseases is 
always owing either to our imperfect knowledge of 
the latter, or to our not understanding the remedies 
which should be opposed to them. We not only ex- 
asperate the disease, but we even sometimes render it 
fatal. (Rush.) 

9. The abuse which the common herd of physicians 
commit with medicines, of which they do not even 
suspect the effects, in the treatment of diseases, whose 
form they are seldom acquainted with, and of whose 
nature they are always ignorant, is attended with 
truly striking results. Medicine destroys more per- 
sons than it saves. (Schmalz.) 

10. As every external agent may be a medicine 
and a poison, as the effect of each medicine is an os- 
cillation of life, which may also be styled a morbific 
process, medicines, when employed injudiciously and 
unseasonably, are themselves capable of becoming 
causes of disease. In many cases the remedy is 
worse than the evil, and the physician more to be 
dreaded than the disease. This is more especially 
true of practitioners devoted to empiricism, or to false 
theories, who place their poor ideas above nature, who 
think to govern eternal laws by idle formulae, and can- 
not avoid being drawn into the grossest errors by 
their ignorance of the organism, and of the general or 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 13 

particular effects of medicines. Many diseases are 
cured by nature alone ; and in many of those which 
assume an acute form, the physician must confine him- 
self to averting noxious influences, and to combating 
the abnormal activity of such or such a system, or 
such and such an organ. Should he proceed further, 
whether to satisfy the patient, or to indulge his own 
theories, or even through cupidity, he can only do 
mischief. It is in this way, in fact, that artificial dis- 
eases are oftentimes produced, and that one would be 
warranted in saying that in many cases the consecu- 
tive chronic disease is the handiwork of the physician. 
So that in the present state of medical practice, pa- 
tients should guard themselves from physicians as 
from the most dangerous poisons. (Kieser.) 

11. With regard to the knowledge of the action of 
medicine on our body we are still in the situation of 
the person who wished to play the harp, or to use the 
pencil without having the slightest knowledge of either 
music or painting. That which each medicament pro- 
duces, when it is alone, we no doubt see, just as we 
hear any one single sound when it strikes our ear ; 
but we are entirely unable to produce a harmonious 
effect with medicines, either when we mix them to- 
gether, or we administer them one after the other. 
From the circumstance that nothing has been done, 
up to the present time in medicine, it must not be in- 
ferred that nothing can be done ; for we have some 
reason to think that by changing our method we shall 
arrive at something. Let us compare the discoveries 
made in physics during thousands of years, with those 
with which it has been enriched in the course of half 
a century. The germ of a science may remain for a 
long time in a state of stupefaction, and awaken all on 
a sudden. (Mises.) % 

12. The attacks of the homoeopathists should induce 

* Stapelia mixta, Leipzig, 1824, s. 100, 106, 107. 
2 



14 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

us to submit to the crucible of reason the doctrine of 
the internal causes of diseases, and that of the action 
of medicaments, both of which are still so very imper- 
fect ; to banish hypotheses from our therapeutics, and 
to place ourselves in a situation by the most simple 
processes wherein we can form a more certain judg- 
ment concerning the manner in which medicinal sub- 
stances act. With our present mode of combining 
drugs, we shall see our hair become white, but shall 
never acquire experience. If homoeopathy can bring 
us to give less medicines, to change them less fre- 
quently, not to combine them without necessity, we 
shall attain a more perfect knowledge of their elfects, 
and shall be able to speak of our medical experience 
with less boasting than we are now unfortunately al- 
lowed to do. ( Wedekind.) * 

" I know right well," said an old physician, " that 
seven-tenths of the patients die, not of their disease, 
but of the improper or excessive quantities of medi- 
cines given to them." A lady once said to the cele- 
brated Petit : "So skilful an anatomist as you are 
ought certainly to cure all diseases." Petit frankly 
replied : " You mistake, Madam, it is with physicians, 
as with hackney coachmen, who know all the streets 
without knowing anything of what is going on within 
the houses." 

The homoeopathic physician proceeds in quite a dif- 
ferent way from the allopathic. The former prescribes 
for his patients those substances only whose effects are 
well known to him, and he never gives more than one 
at a time, because he knows that from the combina- 
tion of two or more bodies, when they do not neutral- 
ize each other, there results a new substance which 
must produce effects different from those induced by 
its constituent principles. 

There is again an essential difference between the 

* In Hufelapd's Journal, 1S26, No. vi., p. 3. 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 15 

two schools with respect to the doses. Homoeopathy 
cures, as we have seen, by opposing to the natural dis- 
ease an artificial one as similar to it as possible, and 
sufficiently intense to extinguish it by its predominance. 
If the fictitious disease were weaker than the natural, 
it would remove the latter only in part ; if it were 
stronger, it would no doubt cause it to disappear alto- 
gether, but it would leave in its place an artificial dis- 
ease, extremely similar as to symptoms, so that the 
patient would feel no improvement in his state.* Such 
is the cause of the minute does which the homoeopa- 
thic physician employs, for experience has taught him 
again and again, that they are sufficient in their pri- 
mary effects to create symptoms analogous to those 
which he wishes to cure, only a little more intense, in 
order that the result of the consecutive effect may be 
the contrary, that is to say health. Frequently is the 
question asked : How they had this efficacy ? We 
do not know, precisely as we know not how it hap- 
pens that the magnet attracts iron. Yet much pains 
have been taken to explain this remarkable phenome- 
non, on which I think it necessary to dwell a little, 
because the minuteness of the doses is the point of 
homoeopathy which has been most severely attacked 
by our adversaries. 

Every day experience proves to us that it is sub- 
stances acting in a manner rather virtual than medical, 
which occasion morbid modifications in the organism. 
Who does not know, in fact, that fright, anger, grief, 
care, are so many causes of diseases ? Who is igno- 
rant of the fact that a storm gives diarrhoea to some 
persons ; that others cannot bear a cat to be near 
them, or a toad, without falling into a swoon ? Who 
has not heard of the subtlety of those maxims which 
give rise to certain epidemics ? Has there ever ex- 



* Hahnemann's Organon ; many of the homceopathists of the 
present day dissent from this doctrine. — Ed. 



16 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

isted a man whose senses were acute enough to per- 
ceive agents of this kind ? Why should not medicines 
then be indebted for their mode of acting on the or- 
ganism to a power no less subtle ? If they derived it 
only from their material mass, they could exercise it 
merely through the digestive organs. This set of or- 
gans, as we know, serves to separate the nutritious 
matter contained in the food from that which is not 
subservient to nutrition, and to make it pass into the 
current of the circulation ; but it can no more cause a 
separation between the medicinal principles and those 
which are not so, than the mill, which separates the 
flour from the bran, has the power of developing the 
stimulating virtues of beer and brandy. It is not 7 
therefore, the mass or material part of the medicine^ 
but something inappreciable to the senses which influ- 
ences the entire sensitive system, and thus produces a 
change in the sensations of the individual. 

Three circumstances contribute to the efficacious- 
ness of the minute doses of homoeopathy. 

1. The manipulations by means of which the pro- 
perties of the medicinal substances are developed, and 
which are called dynamisations. 

2. The care taken to employ the substances only in 
their own special sphere. 

3. Lastly, the attention to remove everything which 
might disturb their action. 

Each of these three points deserves to be examined 
separately. 

Every one knows, or at least has heard it said, that 
homoeopathic medicines are very much diluted, or 
rather dynamised. Two drops of a mixture are taken 
with equal parts of vegetable juice and alcohol, and 
they are added to ninety-eight drops of alcohol at 
eighty or ninety degrees, or else twenty drops of the 
tincture obtained from a dry plant are mixed with 
eighty drops of alcohol and two shakes are given to 
the mixture. This is what is called the first dilution 5 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 17 

or dynamisation. One drop of this liquid mixed with 
ninety-nine drops of alcohol, and treated after the 
same manner, yields the same dynamisation, and so 
on to the thirtieth. These preparations are not a mere 
arbitrary device: experience, the only judge in such 
a case, has shown that they possess indisputable effi- 
cacy, and that they are perfectly sufficient for the end 
proposed. We hear on all sides the charge of absur- 
dity brought against this mode of procedure, as per- 
sons cannot conceive the possibility of any medicine 
acting, the presence of which cannot be discovered by 
any of our senses. But it is the objection itself that 
should be styled absurd ; for what allopathic physi- 
cian, be he ever so obstinate, will deny that a tile fall- 
ing at the feet of a man may terrify him sufficiently to 
make him sick ? And in this case what is the body 
which modifies the organism ? Chagrin, miasms, a 
current of air, &c, produce similar effects ; and yet 
no one says that it is contrary to common sense to 
admit that chagrin ha*s caused a bilious fever, or cold 
a rheumatism. No one doubts that influences which 
are not material may act on man, because experience 
has convinced them that such is the case. Why then 
refuse to believe that the properties inherent in medi- 
cines are in the same case, when there are thousands 
of facts to prove it ? 

That this property, inherent in medicinal substances, 
may be disengaged and called forth by means of dy- 
namisation, is a matter extremely probable, but still 
one would not like to lay it down as an article of 
faith. Any one may touch a disc of resin without 
feeling the slightest effect on his part, but let him rub 
or strike this electrophorus with a cat's skin, or a fox's 
tail, there is then drawn from it a number of electric 
sparks, which may be collected and concentrated in a 
Leyden jar. Is it not then a certain mode of manip- 
ulation that has called forth an imponderable force 
which was previously latent in inert matter ? Physics 
2* 



18 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

furnish us with several other similar examples. We 
may touch discs of zinc, copper, and carton, without 
feeling anything particular ; but if we arrange so that 
a disc of carton, soaked in salt water, be interposed 
between those of zinc and copper, we have a galvanic 
pile, the wondrous power of which would be almost 
sufficient to restore a dead person to life. Two 
pieces of iron when brought together exert not the 
least visible action on each other ; but let one of them 
be rubbed with a loadstone, this simple manipulation 
will suffice to convert it into a magnet, and to render 
it capable of attracting iron, and if suspended by its 
centre with a thread, of always turning one of its poles 
to the north. The astonishing properties of electricity, 
galvanism, and magnetism, have nothing material, 
and every one may convince himself with his own 
eyes that they are called forth by mere manipulation. 
"Why then should not manipulations render manifest 
the virtues of medicinal substances ? To this w r e may 
add, that these bodies are so bound up in the material 
substance, that the digestive organs of man have not 
sufficient power to set them free, whilst the employ- 
ment of dynamisation sets them at liberty, and allows 
them to pass with more facility into the organism, in 
virtue of that general law, according to wiiich every 
artificial mixture is more easily decomposed than a 
natural combination. 

A second circumstance which comes in support of 
the efficaciousness of the homoeopathic small doses is, 
that one has recourse to them only in the very limits 
of their own proper sphere. We know that the hu- 
man body is so much the more disposed to receive 
modifying impressions from without, in proportion as 
the disease has already increased in it the aptitude to 
be affected by them. Let a person suffer from rheu- 
matism, the least current of air will occasion him vio- 
lent pain ; an intense fever renders one incapable of 
bearing without difficulty even a very moderate tern- 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 19 

perature in his apartment; cold water produces ex- 
cessive pains in a person who has bad teeth, whilst it 
has no effect on the individual whose teeth are 
healthy ; any kind of noise becomes insupportable 
when one has a headache ; the least alarm will make 
a person whose nerves are delicate fall into a swoon, 
or into convulsions ; and the plethoric man is struck 
with apoplexy by a degree of heat, which is attended 
with no annoyance in the generality of men. All 
these phenomena prove to us that the organs which 
have become the seat of any morbid state whatever, 
have for this very reason a greater predisposition to 
feel the effects of modifying agents (medicines,) and 
that a very minute dose suffices to exert a very 
marked influence on them. Now this appropriation 
of the doses to the particular sphere of action of each 
medicament takes place chiefly in homoeopathy, the 
accomplished disciple of which never employs any 
agent without being convinced beforehand that it is 
capable of placing any individual in good health in a 
state of disease similar to that under which the person 
labors whom he wishes to cure. To doubt then of 
the efficacy of small homoeopathic doses, is acting as 
the person would do who would refuse to believe that 
a drop of water, or a small current of air occasions 
acute pain in a man whose teeth are not healthy. 

Lastly, the efficaciousness of these small doses is 
further insured by the care with which all those influ- 
ences are removed which might disturb their action. 
These disturbing influences cannot reside in the medi- 
cine itself, or in other things which are independent of 
it ; they must then be connected with things whose 
action is the very contrary to itself, which are, in fact, 
hostile to it. With respect to the first point, the ho- 
moeopathic medicine contains nothing which is in the 
slightest degree capable of disturbing or interrupting 
its action. It is, in fact, simple and not mixed, as are 
most of those employed by the allopathic physician. 



20 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

Moreover, the doses are never repeated so as to retard 
the cure, or to replace the natural by an artificial dis- 
ease. When the allopathic practitioner prescribes 
bark in treating a certain species of intermittent fevers, 
he does right in acting so, since bark produces analo- 
gous symptoms in a healthy person ; but when he 
makes him take a spoonful of it every two or three 
hours, he excites a medicinal disease similar to the 
natural disease which he wishes to cure, and the least 
that can result from this is that the cure is needlessly 
retarded, because for every step gained, two are lost. 
The homoeopathist, on the contrary, waits till the 
medicine has exhausted its action, and then only he 
administers another, according as the peculiar course 
of the disease requires. By these means he not only 
does not run the risk of destroying with one hand the 
good he has done with the other, but further, he 
avoids the inconvenience of distressing, or fatiguing 
the vital force by urging it to continual reactions, and 
thus involving it in struggles, from which, even when 
it is victorious, it never can come off without detri- 
ment. 

Doppler, of Prague, has attempted to make us 
understand how a medicinal substance may still possess 
great powers, even when attenuation or dilution has 
been carried to the decillionth. According to him, a 
drop of the decillionth dilution contains an enormous 
quantity of material surfaces of the attenuated medi- 
cine, because at each trituration the number of these 
surfaces increases prodigiously ; as, in his opinion, it 
is on the multiplicity of the points of contact of the 
medicinal substance with the living body that the 
curative power of this substance depends, it follows 
that a single drop of the thirtieth dilution must pro- 
duce a much stronger reaction than several drops of a 
less minute attenuation. The high dynamisations do 
not differ then from the others unless in respect of the 
quantity of the material surfaces which they contain, 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 21 

and not, as some persons will have it, with respect to 
the quality, so that with the first we might cure just 
as well as with the thirtieth, by having recourse to 
stronger and more frequent doses. Now this is a 
truth sufficiently established by experience, and the 
inference from which is that the essence of homoeopa- 
thy depends not on the number of the doses, but only 
on the resemblance between the sure effects of the 
medicament, that is to say, those which it produces in 
man in a state of health, and the symptoms of the dis- 
ease to the cure of which it is applied. 

The knowledge of this truth is important in many 
respects. First it allows us to solve a problem which 
has given rise to many idle discussions, viz. : that of 
knowing what is the dilution or dynamisation which 
would be employed. Knowing that the high dilutions 
contain nothing which does not already exist in the 
first, and that by diluting a medicine we only attenu- 
ate it more and more; that is to say multiply its sur- 
faces or points of contact, we are convinced that we 
may spare ourselves the needless trouble of having 
recourse to decillionths. The attenuation of substances 
to the millionth, or at most to the billionth, should 
suffice, so as not to be obliged to employ them in a 
form entirely gross, in large and frequently repeated 
doses. 

In the second place it explains to us how the homoe- 
pathic aggravation so frequently observed by Hahne- 
mann, is now-a-days very rare, so that most of the 
modern homoeopathists are disposed to doubt it, or 
deny it altogether. As the usage is established of 
employing the lower dilutions, with which the end is 
attained more promptly, and with more certainty, and 
of prescribing medicines in frequent doses, or even by 
drops, it is manifest that we should no longer see the 
exasperation of the symptoms, or the homoeopathic 
aggravation, which can only take place when the dis- 
ease is attacked with high dilutions, that is to say, with 



22 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

medicinal agents presenting a multitude of surfaces of 
contact, and consequently producing a very great 
number of symptoms peculiar to them. 

But the action of a medicine may be interfered with 
by external circumstances, by things independent of 
it, and in this point of view homoeopathy does every- 
thing in its power to insure the efficaciousness of its 
small doses. It prescribes for the patient a regimen 
not strict, but duly regulated ; it interdicts the use of 
food of difficult digestion, and prohibits the employ- 
ment of all those substances which, together with the 
nutritive matter, contain principles more or less medi- 
cinal. As the doses which it employs do not exceed 
the limits of that which is absolutely necessary, it will 
be readily conceived that the strictness it evinces in 
this respect is not the result of pedantry, but a precau- 
tion founded on the laws of nature. More than once 
it has been stated that it condemned its patients to die 
of hunger, that it deprived them of almost everything 
which can render life agreeable. This is a calumny. 
Many families habitually observe the homoeopathic 
regimen without being ill, notwithstanding which they 
do not die either of hunger or thirst. It interdicts 
coffee ! true, but there are thousands of instances to 
prove that one may very well dispense with coffee ; 
and besides, homoeopathy suppresses it only during 
the treatment of diseases, in the absence of which it 
allows every one to use it as he pleases. Besides, 
ought it not to be witnessed with pleasure, that by 
banishing gradually the use of coffee and of brandy, it 
labors for the happiness, health, and moral improve- 
ment of families ? 

A very essential difference between allopathy and 
homoeopathy is that the latter leaves the patients who 
have confided themselves to it without making any 
attack either on their health or their purse. We shall 
devote a few lines to these two points, as they are of 
great importance. 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 23 

With respect to the former, I own that I shudder 
involuntarily when I take up the pen to relate the or- 
dinary consequences of allopathic treatment. But, 
unwilling to expose myself to the slightest suspicion of 
partiality, I shall allow some of the allopathic physi- 
cians themselves to speak ; they will express what I 
should have to say in a manner that will absolutely 
edify the reader. 

1. The history of medicine proves that persons have 
been correct in saying that millions of men have fallen 
under the blows of the physicians. The means which 
are employed at the present time, and which become 
more numerous from day to day, are a sure guaranty 
that in time the number of victims will be incalculable. 
(Bergk.) 

2. One scarcely believes his eyes when he reads 
that Marcus increased the dose of calomel in the case 
of some children up to four hundred grains, and be- 
sides that he prescribed several ounces of mercurial 
ointment to be used in the form of friction. Eschen- 
meyer orders, that during the first symptoms of croup, 
besides blisters, calomel should be prescribed mixed 
with a third of golden sulphuret ; he continues the 
same treatment during the second stage ; he never re- 
mains below fifty grains of calomel, and sometimes 
rises to ninety grains and more ; he has even gone as 
far as one hundred and six grains in a child six 
years of age,, though he acknowledges that when fifty 
grains, taken within the space of thirty-six hours, have 
not produced an amendment, the patient is irretrieva- 
bly lost. Yet of seven deaths which occurred in his 
hands, he attributes only two to the mode of treat- 
ment. If the child had been brought to it by fifty 
grains, we see no good reason why fifty grains more 
were given to it, except to hasten the catastrophe. If 
we reflect on these enormous doses, and on all the 
stimulants accompanying them, we can readily under- 
stand why, out of twenty-three children attacked with 



24 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

croup, he saw seven of them die : it would be inter- 
esting to know the subsequent state of health in those 
who escaped. Persons complain very much of the 
great debility of the present generation ; sufficient 
reason may be found in the prodigality with which 
physicians employ the most violent remedies. (Kru- 
ger -Hansen.) 

3. In the hospital of Galata, in a population of from 
sixty to one hundred patients, from fifty to sixty vene- 
sections are performed, and from eight to fifteen hun- 
dred leeches are applied. A Greek physician wrote 
to Mavrocordato ; " Ibrahim Pacha has not destroyed 
here so many persons as Broussais' system ; and the 
method followed at Constantinople carries off many 
more individuals than would be destroyed by the 
entire catalogue of diseases, if left to themselves." 
(Kruger -Hansen.') 

4. We see the melancholy results of the treatment 
adopted by the blind disciples of Johnson and Brous- 
sais in the East Indies. The former consider calomel 
as a panacea in the treatment of the fevers which pre- 
vail in these countries, as also against most other dis- 
eases, and seem to take a pleasure in supersaturating 
the system with it. Their mania in this respect is car- 
ried so far that they disdain all other remedies, and 
seem to vie with each other as to who shall prescribe 
the strongest doses of calomel. I actually knew a 
physician of distinction at Java, who went so far as to 
order one of his patients to take calomel on bread and 
butter. With respect to the followers of Broussais in 
this place, their mania is to exhaust the blood of those 
who confide themselves to their care ; blood-letting is 
the remedy which they oppose to the great majority of 
diseases, and with the exception of some refrigerant 
and demulcent drinks, they reject almost all other 
means. ( Weitz.) 

5. What danger does not the life of a patient run, 
who swallows with confidence everything his physician 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 25 

prescribes for him ? Since governments allow physi- 
cians to play with poisons without any responsibility, 
the least that should be done is, to make the patients 
themselves take care of their existence. I would ad- 
vise them never to take that which the physician pre- 
scribes, without having first seen himself swallow the 
prescribed dose, in order to be certain that he has not 
exceeded the bounds of prudence. When they saw 
him hesitate, they might be sure that their life was in a 
fair way of being compromised. (Kruger-IIansen.) 

6. When it is stated that a patient, who had taken 
in the afternoon the two-thirds of a mixture consisting 
of forty grains of tartar emetic dissolved in an ounce 
and half of water, was dead at six o'clock in the eve- 
ning, this act of swallowing at once twenty-six grains 
and two-thirds of tartar emetic is considered as sui- 
cide ; what name ought we to give to that of a physi- 
cian who prescribes in one dose forty grains of this 
salt, a small quantity of which, when applied in the 
form of frictions to the skin, is sufficient to produce on 
it deep ulcerations ? (Kruger-Hansen.) 

These passages, borrowed from allopathic physi- 
cians, will suffice, and I am satisfied to leave to the 
reader the trouble of deducing his conclusions from 
them. 

Homoeopathy pursues quite a different course. It 
knows nothing of blood-letting, and cures persons la- 
boring under inflammatory diseases without taking a 
single drop of blood from them ; whilst in 1834, at 
Berlin, out of eight hundred and seventeen patients 
who died within the space of thirty-six hours, one 
hundred and twenty-six died of inflammations. It 
knows nothing of poisoning by mercury, iodine, tar- 
tar-emetic, and other such substances ; it employs 
neither emetics, purgatives, setons, nor cauteries ; it 
does not torture its patients with the lapis infernalis, 
nor with fire, and has no need to blush at the sight of 
so many unfortunates whom hydrargyrosis and other 
3 



26 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

medicinal diseases are compelling to progress slowly 
towards the tomb. It attacks not the healthy parts of 
the organism ; it does not intentionally render them 
diseased, in order to attract to them the disease which 
is effecting other organs ; but it applies to the disease 
itself, wherever it meets it, and has nothing in com- 
mon with those, who parodying a too celebrated 
phrase, the end sanctifies the means, destroy whole 
generations. 

Health and life are not the only things which ho- 
moeopathy respects. It spares the purse also, and in 
this respect the influence which it must exert is no less 
considerable. Every one knows that apothecaries' 
bills have become proverbial, and entire families might 
be cited who in the space of a year have laid out 
enormous sums at the shop of the druggist. Recently, 
again, it was ascertained on inquiry, that the clear 
profit of all the druggists in the kingdom of Prussia, 
amounted to about twelve millions of dollars, which 
sum divided between all the inhabitants, gave the con- 
tribution of each to amount to one dollar, so that the 
government saw at once the necessity of adopting 
measures to relieve the population of this tax. Every 
one must remember that at the time of the cholera, the 
price of those medicines which were considered as 
preservative or curative was doubled, even tripled, 
and that the government of Baden issued an ordinance 
for the purpose of putting a stop to this odious specu- 
lation. Homoeopathy, it is understood, knows nothing 
of apothecaries' bills, which reduce so many families 
to beggary ; hence it is that the druggists take so ac- 
tive a part in the war which has been commenced 
against them, and spare no exertions to prevent its 
success. To be sure they have paid so dearly for 
their shops and their privileges that one cannot help 
pitying them ; but is not this the ordinary course of 
matters here below, that there are always some per- 
sons who lose in order that the public may gain 1 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 27 

Should we not be mad, if in order to avoid injuring 
the manufacturers of beaver hats, which are both dear 
and heavy, we refused to countenance the modern in- 
vention of silk hats, which are more convenient and 
cost less ? 

Homoeopathy possesses again another recommend- 
ation to economists and public men ; it brings back 
men to a more simple mode of life, and one more 
conformable to nature ; it tends to extinguish by de- 
grees, or at least to restrict very much, a multitude of 
fictitious wants, as coffee, tea, spices, aromatics, &c. 
which render nations tributary to foreigners. Thus 
we see, that during the first half of the year 1833, 
compared to that of the preceding year, the expendi- 
ture for coffee in Europe was diminished by about 
thirty-one millions of francs ; in the same way, the 
quantity of rum exported from Jamaica in 1836, did 
not amount to one-half, of what it was twenty years 
before. This result must certainly be attributed in a 
great measure to the influence of homoeopathy, and it 
acquires still further importance when we think of the 
enormous sums which the new method prevents from 
being taken out of the country, in order to pay for 
foreign medicines. So early as 1806, Hahnemann 
wrote the following lines, on the occasion of a substi- 
tute for bark proposed by Breitfeld : " Let us not 
employ bark in enormous doses ; let us not have re- 
course to it except where it is really necessary ; let 
us abstain from it whenever it cannot be useful ; and, 
still further, when it will serve only to do harm, and 
then we shall scarcely consume a tenth of that re- 
quired at the present day ; it will then cost less ; for 
the twelve millions which Europe pays annually to 
America for this drug, will be reduced to one million 
and a half, and perhaps even, if physicians become 
still wiser, to the fifth of this last named sum, and all 
this to the great advantage of patients." If Hahne- 
mann could, at the present day, take up his pen on 



28 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

this subject, he would have to blot out from his calcu- 
lation several zeros, and probably all. 

Allopathy and homoeopathy differ entirely from 
each other with respect to the manner in which they 
view the portrait or image of the disease under con- 
sideration. The allopathist thinks he has done more 
than sufficient, when he has felt the pulse, looked at 
the tongue, and put a few questions with an important 
air ; for he considers all diseases as species, the course 
of which he knows (or, at least, thinks he knows,) be- 
forehand, from his system of nosology, and he sub- 
mits them to a method which is the same for all the 
cases of that which he calls a species. 

" With respect to acute diseases," says Hahne- 
mann, " the allopathist does not treat them according 
to the peculiarities which they present, but solely ac- 
cording to the pathological name which they have re- 
ceived in his school, and according to the plan of pro- 
ceeding traced in their books for each of these names. 
Thus, however different intermittent fevers may be 
from each other, instead of employing for each the 
specific remedy applicable to it, he checks them all by 
means of bark in large doses, repeated for several 
weeks. But the patient is not thereby restored to 
health ; to be sure he no longer experiences alterna- 
tions of cold and heat, but he has become ill in an- 
other way, and more so than he was during his fever ; 
for a quinic disease has now been given to him, which 
will often last for several years. The followers of 
that which is called the rational medicine, find in like 
manner for the other sporadic, epidemic, and conta- 
gious diseases, names all established in their books, 
and for each name which they are pleased to assign 
to the prevailing disease, a certain plan of treatment, 
only modified from time to time by fashion, a plan to 
which the fever, though probably absolutely unknown 
till then, and never having existed before, must ac- 
commodate itself, whether it suit it or not. The pa- 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 29 

tient who has not strength to resist, must perish." 
The homoeopathist, on the contrary, has no nosologi- 
cal system, he knows nothing either of genera or spe- 
cies of diseases : he has not then to contend against a 
phantom, that is to say, a disease which exists only in 
his head, and with which, perhaps, the patient is not 
at all affected. He knows that every disease mani- 
fests itself, in some way or other, by phenomena or 
external symptoms, and that we cannot consider it as 
extinct, until all the symptoms have disappeared. 
But in order to enable himself to know the special na- 
ture of the disease which he wishes to cure, he studies 
the symptoms of it even in their minutest details ; for 
to him a disease is but the aggregate of all the exist- 
ing symptoms, the internal cause which produces it 
being no more accessible to our means of investiga- 
tion, than that of life itself. Hence it happens that 
his examination extends even to circumstances appa- 
rently the most insignificant, and includes not merely 
that which takes place at the present moment before 
his eves, but the symptoms also which presented 
themselves at first, the patient's mode of life, even the 
state of health of the members of his family, &c. 
When he has formed to himself an idea of the disease 
by as exact a research as possible of all the symptoms, 
he selects among the means whose effects are well 
known to him that one which, in its primary action, 
produces in man, in the state of health, the greatest 
possible number of the symptoms observed in his pa- 
tient, so that in most cases he is able to predict the re- 
sult with certainty : the allopathist, on the contrary, 
only makes trials ; he tries whether such an agent, 
which in such or such a case was useful in the treat- 
ment of a certain disease may not also prove so in the 
present case. 

Lastly, if we compare the results which homoeopa- 
thy has already attained, with those which allopathy 
has obtained, we see experience prove that, what the 
3* 



30 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

former supposes in theory, practice confirms, so as not 
only to satisfy the most urgent exigencies, but even to 
surpass very often every expectation. No living be- 
ing is of course secure from death, and homoeopathic 
treatment sometimes fails. However, if we recollect 
that homoeopathy frequently undertakes the treatment 
of patients, on whom allopathy has already exhausted 
to no purpose all its magazine ; that certain persons 
disdain its dietetic precepts, which appear to them 
wretched and pedantic ; that others, wanting perse- 
verance, abandon it just at the moment when it was 
going to relieve them, if not certainly, at least with 
some probability ; that in many cases, the primary 
disease has been rendered really incurable by the 
medicinal diseases produced by the long-continued 
employment of allopathic remedies, we need not be 
surprised that it sometimes meets with want of success. 
What is certain is, that in every instance where human 
succor is at all available, it cures with more certainty, 
more promptitude, more readily, less disagreeably, 
and at less expense, than any other method, and that 
it often succeds in restoring to health in a few days, 
patients whom allopathy had abandoned as incurable. 

There exists at present between homoeopathy and 
allopathy a struggle, the end of which will be that truth 
shall come off triumphant, though the absolute oppo- 
sition of the principles professed by the tw T o schools, 
does not allow us to suppose that a settlement, pro- 
perly so called, can ever be effected between them. 
For this reason I shall terminate this sketch by throw- 
ing a glance at the principal objections which the ad- 
versaries of homoeopathy advance against it. 

The first class of adversaries includes the allopathic 
physicians. With them it is a vital question, for 
homoeopathy threatens their very existence ; and after 
this we should not be surprised that most of the at- 
tacks by which it has been assailed have come from 
that quarter. To this it might be said, why do they 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 31 

not adopt it ? Because, as Benninghausen has shown, 
vanity and indolence dissuade them from doing so ; 
for they would have to study things which have no 
connexion with anything which they have learned, 
and to put aside the principal part of the old materia 
medica, pathology, and therapeutics ; and to devote 
themselves to laborious studies, as well for the pur- 
pose of imprinting on their memories the numerous 
symptoms occasioned by medicines, as to form to 
themselves a true image of each individual case of 
disease. 

Homoeopathy may be combated either in its prac- 
tice, or in the principles of its system. To attack the 
results of its experience is impracticable, unless per- 
sons wish to deny that which may be seen and known 
by evefy one, and to reject the testimony of men, 
•whose probity and veracity are above all suspicion. 
With respect to the refutation of its principles, it may 
be attempted in two ways': either by judging in ac- 
cordance with the principles of the allopathic school, 
and therefore setting out with premises and supposi- 
tions which are by no means applicable to homoeopa- 
thy, or by charging it with false reasoning — a charge 
which, at least up to the present time, none of its ad- 
versaries have been able to establish against it ; many 
physicians also belonging to the old school, and among 
them men of high reputation, have long since gone 
over to the new one, taking care to make known to 
the public the motives which induced them to change 
sides. 

A second class of adversaries embraces all those 
persons w T ho find themselves affected by it in any 
manner in their trade. Under this head may be 
numbered, wine and brandy merchants, coffee ven- 
dors, grocers, victuallers, confectioners, perfumers, but 
chiefly druggists and apothecaries. All feel them- 
selves more or less injured by it ; so that unless they 
happen to be indebted to it for the recovery of their 



32 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

health, or expect to derive some advantage from its 
success, they are its natural enemies : this circumsiance 
explains why homoeopathy experiences more difficulty 
in making its way among the masses, than might have 
been expected. Interest performs so important a part 
at the present day in society, that every new invention 
is decried by those who are alarmed for their purse. 
History tells us that at all times the most inveterate 
enemies have been those whose self-interest enkindled 
their passions. 

Finally, a last class of adversaries includes those 
who, knowing nothing whatever of homoeopathy, de- 
sire to display their wit at its expense, or launch out 
against it only from want of employment, or from the 
habit of speaking right and wrong at random. We 
know that according to the received ideas, e\»rything 
which presents a sort of contradiction, even though 
but apparent, between the means and the end, is con- 
sidered as comical and ridiculous. It was sufficient 
then that the principles of the homoeopathist, already 
extraordinary in themselves, should be either a little 
forced or misapplied, for deriders and satirists to range 
themselves against them, and every one knows that 
the multitude is fonder of laughing than of reflecting ; 
on the other hand, there is no lack of persons whom 
nothing delights more than to speak of things which 
they do not understand, and homoeopathy having now 
become one of the principal subjects of conversation 
in societies, the opportunity has not been lost of exer- 
cising their talent and their natural bent. 

These different classes of antagonists have hurled 
charges of every kind against homoeopathy, from which 
it has been long since cleared in the various journals, 
and other writings of the day. Homoeopathy, it was 
said, is the work of duped deceivers. But how can 
there be any question of deception, or of duping, when 
the homoeopathist employs a medicine whose primary 
effects he has tried on healthy subjects, and when this 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 33 

medicine, administered to a patient, produces just the 
very effect announced beforehand ? The new doctrine, 
it was said in another quarter, is but mere charlatan- 
ism ! But is not the end of the charlatan to draw 
money from those whom he deceives, and to do every- 
thing for the purpose of wrapping up in impenetrable 
mystery the means by which he effects the illusion 
which permits him to extract money from people's 
purses ? Now homoeopathy has never done anything 
of the kind. It has disclosed all its principles in a vast 
multitude of writings ; it has voluntarily, and on every 
occasion, suffered the secrets which it discovered to 
pass out of its hands, though from these secrets it might 
have been an easy matter to derive profit. Homoeopa- 
thy is contrary to common sense, says another person. 
But are we not encompassed on every hand by effects 
of which we know not the causes ; and yet no one has 
for this reason ever taken it into his head to question 
them ? The brilliant successes of homoeopathy, says 
this person, are achieved, not by medicines, but by the 
faith of the patient, whose excited imagination hopes 
for an extraordinary result ! But can this assertion 
apply to young children and to common animals, in 
which the new method effects cures just as well as in 
adults ? Homoepathic medicines are poisons ! But 
does not allopathy employ the same poisons in doses 
many million times stronger ? Has it ever happened 
to homoeopathy to bring its patients to the brink of the 
grave, or even to put them into it, in consequence 
of employing violent remedies, and arbitrarily increas- 
ing the doses of medicines, as the allopathists so fre- 
quently do, according to the admission of some of their 
own party ? Again, persons do not see that there is 
a flagrant contradiction in stating, on the one hand, 
that homoeopathic doses can produce no effect, and on 
the other, that they are frightful poisons. Everything 
in homoeopathic treatment must be referred to regimen, 
and the efforts of nature. But why had not kind na- 



34 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 



ture acted sooner in so many thousands of cases ? 
And why did she not accomplish the cure till after the 
taking of the homoeopathic medicine ? Homoepathy 
starves its patients to death ! Nothing can be more 
false. It allows every person to satisfy his appetite ; 
it recommends even the most nutritious principles of 
diet, as meat, rich soups, eggs, chocolate, not aromat- 
ized, in most of those cases where allopathy interdicts 
them. One may readily conceive, that during the 
course of an homoeopathic treatment, the patient should 
abstain from every matter which possesses any medi- 
cinal virtue ; but the prohibition cannot extend to 
things purely analeptical and strengthening. Homoe- 
opathy never has recourse to those severe courses of 
treatment by starvation, from which allopathy does 
not recoil. Homoeopathy does not cure all diseases ! 
Certainly not ; but does it not effect mild, rapid, and 
permanent cures, where allopathy has been unable to 
be of any avail ? It is an odious calumny to state 
that it is powerless in the treatment of inflammatory 
diseases ; even surgical diseases it removes, for the 
most part, with astonishing quickness, a fact which is 
deemed incomprehensible by its adversaries. It per- 
forms its cures with as much promptitude, certainty, 
and readiness, as possible ; whilst allopathy either 
does not cure at all, or arrives at the cure by round- 
about ways, after having made the patient encounter 
serious dangers, or finally, it cures homoeopathically 
without being aware of it. Homoeopathy is the tomb 
of science, because it regards only the external char- 
acters (symptoms) of diseases ; because it does not 
trouble itself in the slightest degree about their essence, 
and because it has no necessity either for anatomy, 
physiology, or pathology. No doubt homoeopathy 
merits this reproach as a science ; but where is it stated 
that the homoeopathist must consider as superfluous 
the accessory sciences of medicine, though he perceives 
in them a great many things which cannot afford him 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 35 

the slightest aid in attaining his end ? Homoeopathy 
teaches not only to appreciate the true value of the 
symptoms in general, but also to distinguish from each 
other the essential symptoms, from those which are 
only accessory. Here its adversaries say : " The 
symptoms are not the disease itself, and in order to 
attain a radical cure it becomes necessary to discover 
and combat the cause of the latter." 

Perfectly well argued no doubt ! But is there on 
the entire surface of the earth, a man who can tell us 
in what the essence of disease consists ; what is fever, 
for instance, or what is inflammation ? Among the 
allopathists who raise such fine questions, is there one 
who can give a satisfactory solution to them ? The 
sort of opinion that should be entertained of their 
knowledge touching the causes of disease, is seen but 
too often, when three or four of them are heard dis- 
puting together when called in to see a patient, and 
each of them pronouncing such fine hypotheses, when 
they proceed to a post-mortem examination of the 
body. Homoeopathy does not pretend to know the 
essence and cause properly so called of a disease, a 
thing which is denied to all mortals. It strives neither 
to impose on itself, nor to deceive the patient with 
idle conjectures about matters, which it is not given 
any man to know ; it contents itself w T ith obtaining 
an idea of that which is appreciable in a disease, its 
external phenomena, its symptoms, with investigating 
the occasional causes, so far as they can be discover- 
ed, or as they still continue to act, with tracing the 
development of the morbid state, and, which is the 
principal point in all cases, with effecting a cure, and 
that in general under circumstances where allopathy, 
by its own acknowledgment is entirely impotent. It 
is extremely unjust to say that it is a purely symp- 
tomatic medicine. Symptomatic medicine troubles 
itself only about a single symptom, that which is most 
complained of by the patient, and strives to combat 



36 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

it by antipathic means, that is to say, it palliates it, 
and prevents it not from returning after some time 
with increased violence. Now, such a mode of pro- 
ceeding belongs properly to allopathy, and is totally 
foreign to the principles of homoeopathy. 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 37 



ON THE APPLICATION OF HOMOEOPATHY 



DISEASES OP DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



Homoeopathic medicines are employed either in a 
liquid or a dry form. A long time since I declared 
my opinion in favour of liquid medicines, seeing that 
they act with much more quickness, and consequently 
attain the proposed end with more facility. The 
dilution I usually employ # is the thirtieth, and through- 
out this work, this is the state of dilution to be under- 
stood, unless I shall expressly indicate some other. 

To administer the medicine, one, or at most two 
drops of liquid are poured on a thin wafer, which is 
then placed on the tongue of the animal. The ope- 
ration always requires two persons, when large ani- 
mals, more especially horses, are the subjects of treat- 
ment. The operator places himself on the right side 
of the animal, grasps the lower jaw with the left hand, 
then, w T ith the right hand, he draws the tongue to 
one side between the molars of the left side, and 
the assistant places the wafer on the base of this 
organ, as near to the pharynx as possible. For want 
of the wafer we may employ a small portion of stale 
bread. We may also mix one or two drops of the 
medicine with two hundred drops of water, and pour 
the whole into the mouth, at the same time holding 

* Experience has taught, that the lower potency is the most effi- 
cacious in the treatment of animals laboring under acute diseases; 
but the potency frequently requires varying to meet different symp- 
toms. In many chronic cases the higher potency should be given, 
although in the present state of Veterinary Homoeopathy, no general 
rule can be laid down as to the potency. — Ed. 

4 



38 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

the head raised ; the imbibition of the buccal mucous 
membrane being sufficient, it is desirable that the 
animal swallow nothing. If globules be employed, 
nothing is easier than to deposit them on the tongue, 
taking care, however, not to moisten the finger with 
our own saliva to make them adhere, more especially 
when we have been smoking a little time before. In 
the case of cats, into whose mouth it is not always 
easy to introduce the medicine immediately, it is to be 
mixed with a little milk which they are to be made to 
drink ; this method is also very suitable for the pig ; 
if globules are employed, we commence by bruising 
them in a small portion of clean paper, and they are 
then mixed with a little flour, which is to be well mix- 
ed up in milk. If the pig cannot swallow, or if it 
be so sick as to refuse drink, its mouth is to be opened 
by means of a stick, and the liquid poured into it. 
In case of trismus, if we do not wish to break a tooth, 
the medicated water is poured into the nose. Ex- 
perience has proved that the result is still the same. 
It might also be given in the form of lavement. The 
animal must remain without eating, and more es- 
pecially without drinking for an hour at least after 
it has taken the medicine, and if possible, an hour 
also before it.* 

There is no necessity to subject animals to a partic- 
ular regimen, except perhaps the lap-dog, from which, 
during a homoeopathic course of treatment, all aro- 
matic or spiced food must be withheld, and only 
bread, oatmeal, biscuit, or milk and water must be 
given. Care must also be taken to put aside all the 
means advised by ignorant persons or charlatans, 
without excepting even lavements, unless they consist 
of pure water with a little milk or soap. It is not 
right that beside an animal which we may be treat- 



* A small quantity of flour in a teaspoon, mixed with the medi* 
cine is one of the best methods of employing it. — En. 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 39 

ing homoeopathically, another should be placed, in the 
treatment of which allopathy has been employing 
frictions and odoriferous substances. More than one 
course of homoeopathic treatment has failed, or at least 
been prolonged, in consequence of these precautions 
having been neglected. With respect to the horse, there 
are several others also which should be attended to. 

As soon as a horse appears ill, it becomes necessary 
to allow him rest, to give him a clean litfer, which 
should be frequently renewed, and to keep the stable 
well ventilated and in a state of the greatest cleanli- 
ness. During winter, the entrance of draughts of 
cold air should be prevented ; in the summer, care 
should be taken that the stable be cool, that the air 
may circulate freely through it, but so contrived, 
however, that no draught of air may pass on the ani- 
mal. It is very useful frequently to sprinkle the 
ground with cold water, especially when acute dis- 
eases are present, and when several horses are kept 
together. It is best to place the animal in a separate 
stable or loose box when it can be done. In febrile 
diseases grain of every kind must be withheld, but 
good hay may be allowed, with mashes of bran, fresh 
grass and tares ; and in winter, red-beet, potatoes, 
carrots, &c. The best drink is pure water : in some 
diseases it is useful to have it made warm, or to add a 
little meal to it. To remain in a state of rest during 
the entire course of the disease might often prove in- 
jurious to the sick animal : if possible then, he should 
be made to take a little exercise every day, if it be 
summer, in a shady place ; in winter, in the open air 
when the sun is up. The length of the exercise 
should be proportioned to his strength. 

With respect to the doses of homoeopathic medi- 
cines, the indications are to be followed which have 
been already pointed out, or given under the head- of 
each disease. Special care should be taken not to 
force them ; thirty years of experience have proved 



40 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

that they are quite sufficient, and of this every one 
may satisfy himself when an opportunity offers. Too 
strong doses might occasion injurious effects. 

Neither should a person be in too great a hurry to 
repeat the doses. This repetition sometimes becomes 
necessary ; but except the cases in which I have taken 
care to point out the matter, it never fails to do mis- 
chief. When the person has selected the proper 
medicine, that one which covers the greatest possible 
number of symptoms, and when it is repeated without 
waiting for the secondary effect of the first dose, it 
follows that before the curative effect can be brought 
about, new primary effects are produced ; or the lat- 
ter being nothing else than a fictitious disease, analo- 
gous in its symptoms to the natural disease which was 
to be cured, not only is no amendment obtained, but 
in most cases an aggravation of the primary disease is 
occasioned. If the medicine has not been well se- 
lected, a repetition of the dose can no longer be of 
any utility ; for it is evident that if a first dose has not 
produced the desired effect, a second and a third dose 
will produce it still less. It becomes necessary then, 
in making an exact revision of the portrait of the dis- 
ease, to adopt another medicine which may be more 
appropriate. 

But very few general rules can be laid down with 
respect to the repetition of homoeopathic medicines. 
If the medicine employed produce no effect, it is 
clear (with the exception of some cases not to be con- 
sidered here) that it has been badly selected, and that 
some other ought to be taken, after the lapse of the 
necessary time. If it act but partially, that is to say 
if the improvement produced remains stationary, it is 
repeated at the end of four, six, or eight hours ; and, 
in acute diseases, at the end of ten, fifteen, or twenty 
minutes. If the medicine administered in the second 
instance reproduces symptoms which had been already 
extinguished by the preceding, the rule is to make the 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 41 

latter be taken alternately with the other. When a 
little time after the animal has taken the dose, the dis- 
ease is observed to become more virulent, we must 
not be alarmed, nor should we at all be anxious to 
have recourse to another remedy; this is almost 
always a homoeopathic aggravation, which results 
from the primary effects of the medicine, and conse- 
quently the surest guaranty that we shall soon have a 
curative reaction. Too much hurry in such a case 
can only do mischief. 

The moment at which the homoeopathic medicine 
ought to be administered depends on circumstances. 
In acute diseases the intervals should be shorter : the 
remedy may either be repeated, or another which 
seems better, may be adopted after ten, fifteen, or 
twenty minutes, according to the state of the patient. 
But, in those which progress with less rapidity, it is 
necessary to wait at least 'twenty -four hours, and to 
prescribe a new medicine only when the improve- 
ment is observed to be arrested, or even to retro- 
grade. The grand point then is, to watch the animal 
continually and with great attention. If at a certain 
time it happens to be attacked again with the same 
disease as that of which it has been once cured by a 
certain medicine, recourse must be had to the same 
remedy ; but we must not be surprised if it do not 
always produce the same effect as in the first case. 
The rule, however, is to commence by trying it, and 
almost always advantage will be derived from so 
doing. 

Among homoeopathic medicines there are three, 
particularly, arnica, Symphytum, and urtica wens, 
which are more especially employed externally. For 
this purpose we proceed in the following manner. 
"We take a cup full of water, and pour into it from 
twenty-five to thirty drops of the first tincture, we 
shake it well, and employ the mixture for lotions, 
fomentations, &c. Some other substances, such as 
4* 



42 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

aconitum, bryonia, silicia, iodium, ignatia, &c, are 
also useful occasionally for external application. 

A question naturally presents itself here : must the 
error committed in the selection of the medicine be 
necessarily injurious ? The answer shall be as cate- 
gorical as satisfactory. Every homoeopathic medicine 
has a circle of peculiar action, which has been assigned 
to it by nature. If an organ comprised in this sphere 
of action is affected with any disease, the small homoe- 
opathic dose effects on it a modifying impression, in 
the same manner as a drop of cold water, or a current 
of air acts on an unsound tooth and excites in it acute 
pains. But another homoeopathic remedy, whose 
sphere of action does not embrace this organ, has no 
more effect on it than a drop of cold water or a cur- 
rent of air on a sound tooth. It may be objected that 
homoeopathic medicines have been tried on persons in 
good health, and that even when some particular one 
among them exercised no appreciable influence on 
such or such an organ, it might, nevertheless, occasion 
changes in other organs, so that after all, a badly se- 
lected remedy should always do harm. The answer 
is quite simple : the homoeopathic dynamisations act 
easily and promptly on a diseased organ, because the 
morbid state of this organ renders it very accessible 
to modifying influences ; but the medicines which 
have been tried on healthy men have been employed 
in somewhat stronger doses of the pure tinctures, re- 
peated daily and constantly increased, since here the 
dynamisations would in general be without any effect ; 
it follows from this that in consequence of their minute- 
ness, the homoeopathic doses are incapable of doing 
harm, and that when we do not choose the proper 
remedy, the only inconvenience resulting is a trifling 
delay in the cure. 

One of the leading circumstances which contributes 
to the success of the homoeopathic treatment is the 
manner in which the picture of the disease is drawn 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 43 

up, that is to say, the manner in which the group of 
symptoms by which it manifests itself is collected : for 
so far as the physician does not perfectly understand 
the entire of the symptoms, he has but an imperfect 
image of the disease, and can never be certain that the 
remedy he selects corresponds perfectly to the latter, 
that is, covers all its symptoms. But if this is one of 
the most important points of homoeopathic practice, it 
is also one of the most difficult. A single symptom, 
however marked it may be, never represents the ag- 
gregate of all those of a disease, or never allows us to 
foretell the others. Very great attention is required 
not to neglect the precise point which is most essen- 
tial. 

The present state of the diseased animal is then to 
be compared with the greatest care with that of the 
state of health, for the slightest difference indicates 
a disturbance in the organism. In order to omit 
nothing, the symptoms are written down as they are 
observed, and an entire line is devoted to each, so that 
room is left for further additions or corrections : a 
certain order is followed in this process, that is, we 
must, not be content merely with separating the gen- 
eral symptoms from the symptoms proper to the par- 
ticular cases : but we should class them all according 
to the parts to which they are referrible. The atten- 
tion is directed chiefly to the circulation, the state of 
the pulse, the nature of the excrements, the tempera- 
ture, general and local, the seat of pain, the way in 
which the animal demeans itself during rest and mo- 
tion. The eye is then observed, the contractions of 
the pupil, the prominence or depression of the eye- 
ball, the color of the conjunctiva, &c, which are all of 
great assistance in many diseases, more especially in 
the horse. 

After having collected all the symptoms, the leading 
ones are to be separated, that is, those which properly 
appertain to the present case from those which are 



44 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

accessory, or from those which are met with in every 
disease of any severity. It often happens that the 
persons who call for the interference of homoeopathy 
for a sick animal, mention merely the want of appetite, 
or some other symptom purely general ; no advantage 
can be derived from information so very vague. But 
by principal symptoms, those must not always be un- 
derstood which are the most marked, for it very often 
happens that a symptom, almost unnoticed, is the pre- 
cise one which characterizes the particular case in 
question. 

Here is an instance of the course to be followed. A 
disease breaks out among the pigs on a common in the 
vicinity of my residence and carries off a great num- 
ber of these animals. The examination of one exhibits 
the following symptoms : general debility and almost 
complete loss of sensibility, the hair bristling and tail 
pendant ; the animal stumbles in walking, so that it 
is observed soon to remain lying down — the tempera- 
ture of the body varies rapidly — difficulty of swallow- 
ing — -total failure of appetite — the animal anxiously 
roots up its litter. Inflammatory swelling on the 
neck, chest, and abdomen — reddish streaks on differ- 
ent parts of the body, which assume a bluish tint a 
little time before or immediately after death — dura- 
tion of the disease from one to three days. By these 
characters we know that the disease in question is 
called St. Antony's fire in pigs, and not angina, as had 
been at first supposed after an incomplete detail of 
symptoms, which circumstance rendered the homoeo- 
pathic means prescribed totally ineffectual. 

Experiments have been instituted at the Veterinary 
School of Berlin, on the application of homoeopathy to 
the treatment of the diseases of domestic animals, and 
the public papers have eagerly announced that they 
had not proved favorable. Fortunately the press re- 
published the details, which account for the result. 
Thus, wishing to try Pulsatilla on a horse in good 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 45 

health, ten drops of the tenth dynamisation were given 
to him, which produced no change. The same animal 
received three days after ten drops of the twentieth 
dynamization ; then, some time after ten, twenty, and 
at length forty of the thirtieth, all without the slightest 
effect. When we recollect what has been already 
stated, regarding experiments on organisms in a state of 
health, we shall not be surprised at the negative result. 
The Berlin School proceeded in the same way in its 
trials of the homoeopathic treatment : a horse presenting 
all the symptoms of pleurisy received thirty drops of 
the thirtieth dynamisation of aconite, which so aggra- 
vated the disease, that it was thought necessary the 
following night to bleed him to seven pounds. From 
what I have said of the homoeopathic doses, this result 
will be equally well understood, which could not 
fail to happen, in the same manner as throwing oil 
on the fire for the purpose of extinguishing it. The 
person who, being desirous of trying a homoeopathic 
medicine on the animal in a state of health, takes the 
thirtieth dynamisation instead of the pure tincture, 
which should have been administered in increasing 
doses, and who, in a case of disease prescribes thirty 
drops of this dynamisation, when a single one was all 
he should have given, clearly proves that he had no 
idea of the doctrines of the new school. It is, how- 
ever, by such means that all the efforts of the govern- 
ment to arrive at the knowledge of the truth have been 
paralyzed. 



AGE OF THE HORSE, 



Generally speaking, the age of the horse is indeter- 
minate and relative. It is indeterminate with respect to 



46 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

wild horses, concerning which no sufficiently convinc- 
ing facts can anywhere be found, as also with respect 
to the animals advanced in years, in which the most 
important characters, that is, the changes which the 
teeth undergo, leave us in uncertainty. It is relative 
in this sense especially, because the breed, the constitu- 
tion, climate, mode of feeding, the care bestowed on the 
animal, the habits of life, and the more or less amount 
of labor, exert a powerful influence on him. The 
question then, what may be the age of a given horse, is 
not susceptible of receiving a general answer ; one can- 
not be given till after several particular circumstances 
have been taken into account. Thus, the instances of 
horses which at the age of thirty years are still capa- 
ble of performing useful services, although no particu- 
lar care may have been bestowed on them, are not very 
uncommon ; and one author, Rychner, states that he 
himself saw, in 1811, a coach horse of a Swiss breed, 
which was able to work still, though he had attained 
his forty-fifth year. In general, it is admitted that 
blood horses attain a greater age than others ; but this 
opinion cannot be established by facts, as it is. not 
allowed us to consider the characters assigned to the 
different ages as capable of being applied to all cases. 
On the one hand, though the space of six years is ac- 
corded to the first stage of a horse's life, it is not un- 
common to see the adult age declare itself from the 
third year by the aptitude for procreation, and this 
power may be kept up till the age of sixteen years 
and more. On the other hand, if persons have sup- 
posed that the limits of old age could be extended to 
the twenty-sixth year, there is no lack of instances 
where horses are old at a much earlier period. Every- 
thing then depends here on circumstances, and even 
sex affords no precise data with respect to the appre- 
ciation of age. 

The age of the horse is judged from his teeth, and 
from certain external characters which indicate the 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS, 47 

greater or less perfection of the animal, as also from 
the state of his condition and strength. The surest 
method is to employ both means for forming our con- 
clusions. 

But in order duly to appreciate the signs of age as 
afforded by the teeth, it is indispensable to have an 
exact knowledge of their form, structure, cutting, of 
their increase and diminution. 

The teeth of the horse are of two kinds ; the one 
permanent, those which the animal possesses in his 
perfect state, and which he retains till death ; the 
others temporary, or milk-teeth, which make room for 
the preceding after a certain time. 

With respect to the permanent teeth, the perfect 
horse has forty ; however, very often there are found 
only thirty-six, all molars, because the canine are 
wanting, or are very small, These forty teeth are 
included under three heads ; incisors, canine, and 
molars. 

The incisors, which occupy the anterior portion of 
the jaws, and which are covered by the lips, are twelve 
in number, six above and six below. Those in the 
central portion are called front-nippers, the two fol- 
lowing the middle, and the two most external corner 
teeth, names which are equally applicable to the two 
jaws. 

The canine, called also tusks, come after the in- 
cisors, and are four in number ; two in each jaw, one 
on each side. It is only in males they are found per- 
fectly developed ; they are generally wanting in fe- 
males. 

To the canine succeed the molars, of which each 
jaw contains twelve, six on each side. They are dis- 
tinguished into first, second, &c. ; the first being that 
next to the canine, and the sixth terminating the 
series. 

Each tooth is composed of three distinct parts, viz. 
the crown, or that part projecting out of the gum ; the 



48 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

neck, or that which is covered by the gum ; and the 
root, or that which is inclosed in the alveolus. 

There are also distinguished in each tooth three sub- 
stances : the enamel, which covers the surface of the 
crown ; the ivory, situate beneath it ; and the cement 
which occupies the middle of the tooth. 

In the course of years the enamel is worn away by 
degrees ; the crown produces this effect by friction, 
and the tooth projects more and more out of the 
alveolus, so that it becomes longer, because the gum 
at the same time retracts. It is chiefly in the incisors 
that this change is remarked, a change brought on by 
the progress of age. 

The different sorts of teeth differ very much from 
one another with respect to their configuration. The 
incisor which is curved from behind forwards, in the 
direction of its length presents the form of a wedge, 
and its crown that of a chisel. The permanent incisor 
is from two inches and a half to three inches in length, 
and when it is not worn away it presents, on its sur- 
face, a cavity called the mark, and which, as will be 
seen further on, furnishes very important characters for 
determining the horse's age. The deepest part of this 
depression is lost in the cavity of the root. The de- 
pression and its lower part are covered with enamel. 
The cavity is a little longer and deeper in the incisors 
of the upper than in those of the lower jaw, so that it 
remains a longer time visible, and is not worn so much 
by friction. In fact, the depression becomes smoother 
and smoother with years, according as the tooth itself 
is worn away ; so that in old horses, there is nothing 
found in the place of the depression but a plane sur- 
face, and of a somewhat deep color, called the table. 

The canine teeth^ or tusks, assume the form of a 
cone, slightly curved backwards ; in youth they have 
a sharp point directed backwards, and two cutting 
edges curved internally, between which there is a 
furrow. The point and edges become more and more 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 49 

blunted by the progress of age, and earlier in the lower 
than in the upper jaw. 

The molars are rather square, of a cubic form : the 
crown is the broadest part, and they become a little 
attenuated towards the root. The crown forms a 
surface somewhat unequal, consisting of depressions 
and elevations, which gradually become altered with 
age. 

The number of the milk-teeth is twenty-four — twelve 
incisors, and twelve molars. Each jaw contains six of 
the first, and six of the second, three on each side. 
All these teeth are gradually pushed out by those 
which succeed them ; the permanent tooth, situate 
beneath the milk-tooth, absorbs the root of the latter 
according as it grows, so that, when it is on the point 
of coming through, the crown of that whose place it is 
about to take falls, and it is frequently found in the 
manger. The order in which this phenomenon takes 
place, affords characters by means of which the age of 
the horse may be determined during the first years of 
his life. 

The milk-teeth are situated in the same places as 
those to be occupied subsequently by the succeeding 
teeth, and they bear the same names as the latter. 

As the development, renewal, and wearing of the 
teeth, are connected with certain stages, these changes 
are taken advantage of for the purpose of determining 
the age of the horse. However, it is not to be con- 
sidered as an infallible mode of arriving at the truth ; 
for many circumstances exercise considerable influence 
in this respect, and consequently render more or less 
fallacious the inductions drawn from it. This takes 
place when the object is to assign the age of an old 
horse, for the older the animal is, the more risk is run 
in committing an error. 

The duration of the horse's life has been divided, 
according to the changes of the teeth, into three 
stages, which extend, the first from birth to the begin- 



50 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

ning of the second year, the second to the end of the 
fourth year, and the last up to death. 

1. During the first stage the milk-teeth are deve- 
loped completely, and the first permanent molars are 
also seen to appear. Properly speaking, the foal must 
have, on coming into the world, twelve molars, of 
which three are on each side of each jaw ; but this 
rule often admits of exceptions, and in feeble sub- 
jects the molars sometimes do not come out till after 
birth. 

At the age of eight or ten days, even a little sooner 
in strong animals, the two front nippers pierce the 
gum, and always first in the upper jaw ; from the 
third to the fifth week the central teeth are seen to 
appear, at first superiorly, then inferiorly, and during 
this time the molars are more and more developed. 

Up to the sixth month the milk-teeth continue to 
grow, and become even ; that is, they are ranged in 
the same direction, and the two edges of each are 
placed on the same level. 

; From the sixth to the eighth month the corner- 
incisors appear, of which those of the upper jaw also 
precede by some days those of the lower. 

At the end of the first year the foal reckons twenty- 
four milk-teeth, viz. : twelve incisors, and twelve mo- 
lars. During this time the front incisors become 
level, and the centrals soon after. These changes 
always happen some months sooner in blood horses 
than in common horses. The care taken of the 
mother during gestation and lactation, are influential 
in this respect; for the good nourishment which they 
receive facilitates and expedites the process ef denti- 
tion in the young animal ; whilst the want of care, 
cold stabling, &c, retard it, and render it more diffi- 
cult in the other. 

The body of the foal also presents the following 
changes at the end of the first year : the hair of the 
mane and of the tail are less curled than before ; the 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 51 

tail, which reached only as far as the hams, becomes 
longer, the gait is more confident, the fore-legs are 
straighter, the frontal region exhibits less prominence, 
and the animal exhibits more strength in its move- 
ments. 

From the end of the first year to that of the second, 
little changes are observed in the teeth. During this 
time the milk-teeth are more and more worn, so that 
at eighteen months the mark is worn not only on the 
front teeth, (which already occurred,) but also in the 
central teeth, and the corners have lost their cutting 
edges. In general, the milk-teeth at this period seem 
less broad, because their crowns have been partly worn 
by friction, and the teeth themselves have been pushed 
out, which causes the neck or attenuated part to be 
more perceptible. It is worthy of notice, that the 
upper incisors are worn always from six to nine 
months later than the lower, that consequently they 
lose their mark later, and that they are not so much 
pushed out, though still they are sooner developed 
than those of the lower jaw. 

At the end of the second year the first permanent 
molars are seen to appear, that is, the fourths, so that 
then the young animal has twenty-eight teeth : twelve 
incisors, twelve milk molars, and four permanent mo- 
lars : these latter are seated behind the milk molars of 
each jaw. 

2. During the second period of life, that is from the 
end of the second year to that of the fifth, not only do 
all the milk-teeth make room for the permanent teeth, 
but further, all the molars which are wanting pierce 
the gum, and towards the end of this period the per- 
manent incisors have appeared. It is during this 
lapse of time that the teeth furnish the most certain 
characters for recognizing the age of the horse, 
which becomes more and more developed with re- 
spect to size, strength, and the energy of his move- 
ments, 



i'hl PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

At live, years fix- horse has all Ins permanent teeth, 
twenty-four molars, twelve incisors, and four canines 
(in mules;) the corner teeth have become uniform. 

During the second period the animal is rather fre- 
quently attacked with certain morbid affections de- 
pending on the process of dentition ; mastication is 
difficult ; lie frequently has difficulty in swallowing, 
wlneli prevents him from eating; the eye:, become in- 
flamed, he has ;> discharge al the nose, and he may 
even i><- attacked with nervous symptoms, lifs of ver- 
tigo, &c. 

3. During the third period, that is, from the fifth to 
the eighth year, all the permanent teeth are de- 
veloped, ili<- body Ins attained perfection with respect 

to size and Strength } the horse is lilled for more long 

continued labor than In-fore. The following years the 
teeth become more and more, worn, the size of the 
body and the strength dimmish gradually, and the in- 
firmities of age become more and more marked. 
However, this effect takes place much sooner in some; 
horses than in others ; different circumstances exert 
an influence with respect to this matter, and cause 
the murks ol age (the wearing <>! the teeth) to be 
somewhat earlier in one animal Hum in another. 

The signs ol old age are manifested earlier in high- 
bred horses (ol English or Arabian breed) than in 
others. The attention paid i<> the animal, his feeding, 
the manner in which he has been worked, exercise 
considerable influence in this respect. As far as re- 
gards the teeth, there are several circumstances which 
cause them to be worn much sooner, and make the 
animal look older than he really is : such as, a very 
abundant supply of food (ingrain,) the perfect corre- 
spondence of the upper and lower teeth, which makes 
them rub with more force, the one against the other, 
during mastication, and the less solidity of their tex- 
ture, which renders them more liable to be worn ; in 

this respect, H is to he observed, that in genera] the 



ore firm in high-bred boi - 
lancet of an oppo te 

'.:•,•.' ■ • - for ;* .'. 

\\i:v,'-.<; it [olio , that the ;•; of age are 
much during tbif period, and ths 

. .• - - -/. i d i>y ; ; f ^r for 

• . advanced in age, and by two f jr tl ■■ - 
mor< 

■:<: oi i> ■' the teeth lis e atfc tied l - 
opuient, thonj a little uroM on the front 

Hit they j 

than in the 
The eaninef ■ eloped ; they 

d wimmit, and cutting later 
old tl r of the front incko 

i of the middk 

.i, of the i the 

ed more, the 
. . 

the te< . • • 

At the ear the n ; 

d ; the 
narrower, and tlie ]p 
cornet tei ied< 

Wbe ote^ thecs 

i o o ■ 

■ 

- 
ed Howevi 

. ■ • •. 
■ 
At 
of the two front 

• / 04 '. 

e time 

........ 

5* 



54 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

than broad, because they are more out of their al- 
veoli. 

The cavity of the middle teeth of the upper jaw dis- 
appears at twelve, and at fourteen or fifteen it is ef- 
faced on the corner teeth of this same jaw : these 
teeth also are diminished in breadth, and become 
thicker. 

During this period of from eight to ten, up to 
twelve or fourteen years, the crowns of all the incisors 
are very much worn, more so, however, in the lower 
than in the upper jaw, and these teeth have escaped 
from their alveoli, which makes them appear more 
thick than broad. 

The following characters may be derived from the 
teeth, indicative of advanced age. At fifteen the di- 
minution in breadth of the lower incisors is more 
marked, as well as their increase in thickness. At 
seventeen and eighteen, these changes are very per- 
ceptible in the incisors of the upper jaw. Generally 
speaking, after the fourteenth year, the incisors assume 
a more horizontal direction ; before that they ap- 
proached nearer to the vertical. 

When the horse is very old, from eighteen to 
twenty, his teeth present the following peculiarities : 
the incisors resemble angular palissades, because the 
gum has receded, so that the roots are almost ex- 
posed ; their table has assumed a triangular form. 
These phenomena are observed on the lower jaw 
sooner than on the upper, and on the nippers sooner 
than on the central and corner teeth. The crowns of 
the incisors are also closer to one another whilst their 
roots are separated, which gives a pointed form to the 
mouth ; moreover, they often become oblique, loosen, 
and fall out. But these characters have but a general 
value, and I have already remarked that they may 
lead into error, even an error of three years. 

Other signs announce old age in the horse. The 
animal is stiff and heavy in his movements, his legs 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 



55 



seem unable to carry him, he takes only short steps, 
his muscles decline, however nutritious his food may 
be, which renders him unable to bear for any length 
of time either moving or work ; the edges of the 
bones become prominent, more especially the articu- 
lations of the hind legs ; the upper jaw becomes flat- 
tened, the lower one loses its breadth (becomes 
lower,) and the lower part of the face acquires in con- 
sequence a pointed appearance. 

The mucous membrane of the nose and throat is 
not as red as formerly, the lower lip is pendant, the 
eyes are sunk in the orbit, they become dull and tur- 
bid, the power of vision diminishes ; the head of the 
animal assumes the appearance of old age, to which 
the white hairs growing on the brows contribute con- 
siderably, which are remarked at an earlier period in 
horses whose coat is of a .dark color than in others. 
White hairs are also seen on other parts of the body ; 
but they must be carefully distinguished from the 
white spots which are observable even in young 
horses, either as a lusus naturce, or on parts of the 
body which have been bruised, wounded, or skinned. 
The hoof becomes dry and brittle ; the skin is wrin- 
kled in consequence of the adipose tissue having dis- 
appeared, and the anus projects externally. Arrived 
at this age, the animal no longer eats, except with 
difficulty, very slowly, and almost always on one side. 
In horses which have been well treated in their youth, 
especially those which have not been too early 
worked, or which belong to a high breed, these symp- 
toms of old age become developed at a later period, 
or do not attain the same degree as in those which are 
in the opposite case. 



SLIGHT GLANCE AT THE STABLE, 



WITH THE BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT OF DIFFERENT 
KINDS OF HORSES, 



ON THE STABLE. 



Where it is possible, and room is not so much an 
object as the comfort, and well doing of the horses, in 
forming the interior of the stable, the stalls should be 
double the size of those in general use ; that is to say,' 
about fourteen feet in breadth, and twenty in length, 
so as to form each into separate box stalls ; the timber, 
of which elm is the best, should be about five feet in 
height, and at the bottom fitted into iron grooves, as it 
will prevent displacement and preserve it from decay ; 
iron rails should be placed on the timber to the requi- 
site height and width, so as to prevent the animal from 
biting his companions, either over the top or between 
the rails. 

Paving bricks, properly cemented, form one of the 
best floorings in use ; there should be two gratings in 
each box, from whence a small drain should be made 
to communicate with a larger drain, running length* 
ways of the building, to carry off the water. 



ON THE STABLE. 57 

Sliding-doors, running on rollers, should be placed at 
the back of the horses, so that the horse can be quite 
enclosed and still at liberty, without being disturbed ; 
there should be six feet between the doors of the 
box stall and the wall, that any of the horses could be 
visited without disturbing their companions. Several 
ventilators ought to be placed through the roof, over 
the part that serves as a passage through the stable, 
with means of enlarging or decreasing the space for 
the passage of air, by means of a cap and pully ; and 
air pipes should also be placed about two feet from 
the ground, so as to admit fresh air, and which would 
materially tend to the expulsion of the respired air ; but 
the air pipes near the ground should be so contrived as 
not to produce a draught or current of air towards the 
horses, which might be avoided by giving it an upward 
or downward tendency ; the windows should also have 
the means of opening. This regulation of drainage 
and ventilation will always prove one of the best pre- 
ventives of disease, and by means of which you may 
manage to keep the thermometer at almost any degree, 
fifty-four being a good maximum, in the winter : but 
an intelligent groom can best regulate that, according 
to the horses placed under his care, as age, breed, and 
the former habits exercise considerable influence in 
this respect. 

The best feeding I have found, and that now very 
generally adopted being oats, bruised beans, chaff from 
the best sweet hard hay, and clover ; two trusses of 
the former to one of the latter, and given when feeding 
*w T ith oats, in small quantities, and a little hay twice a 
day, morning and evening. Horses should be watered 
three times a day, and the water ought not to be quite 
cold for horses kept warm with clothing, &c, that is, 
in the winter ; it is also a good plan to dissolve a few 
ounces of chloride of lime in a pail of water, and throw 
down each drain about once a fortnight. 

Pads formed of tow and soaked in water, should be 



58 BREEDING. 

constantly kept in horses' feet when standing in the 
stable, by means of two thin pieces of split cane placed 
across the bottom of the foot, with the ends under the 
shoe, or the patent pads may be used. 

Horses' hoofs should have three times a week, or 
oftener, a mixture of three parts of common seal-oil 
to one of tar, rubbed round their hoofs, which will 
prevent them from getting brittle. 

Stables should frequently be well washed, and when 
the animals are at exercise, if none remain in, the 
windows and doors should be left open till their re- 
turn. 

As the management of horses varies so considerably, 
according to the use required of them, and even of those 
intended for the same kind of work, and also the varie- 
ties of constitutions, tempers, &c. of different horses, 
no general rule could be laid, down with respect to 
the management. The treatment of both training and 
hunting grooms, and the plans adopted, will of course, 
(with those at least that well study their business) be 
altered accordingly, and for this reason these remarks 
will be very concise. 



BREEDING. 

It is by the proper selection of parents, that we must 
look forward to the value, appearance, and usefulness 
of the stock. With regard to thorough-bred horses, 
the subject has received the assistance of so many able 
and intelligent men, conversant with racing matters, 
that anything emanating from my pen would fall short 
of instruction on that subject. One of the principal 
points in breeding, is to advance, or in a manner, force 
the strength of the foal, so as to meet the work re- 
quired in his preparation, (should he have any engage- 
ments,) at two years old, although the artificial forcing, 



BREEDING. 09 

as it were, shortens the number of . and early 

training entails many of those diseases to which h< 
particularly race-horses, are so do! i 

taking compare lively to the qui 

bred, that reach f. :. the adult period, with 

sound legs and feet ; but custom has adopted early run- 
ning of horses, • b a p b fr o m p e c u mar v c o nsu 
tion than any other, the e of keeping them being 
very heavy ; it remains to point out to the uninitiated 
in such matters, the best method of bringing them 
forward. For thi* purpose, the darn before foaling. 
should have a paddock to herself, with a good 
thatched, well aired and littered, and, if possible, with a 
southern aspect. There should be doors to the shed at 
one comer, with posts on rollers at the sides, to pi 

,al at play, when qolng in and out. from injuring 
itself; there should be also 1'arge lattice windows, to 
admit plenty of air and light ; this will, as it 
bring the foal, from its infancy, used to the stable. 
The diet of the mother should be of the n o tritious 
kind ; can . \ hay, and r . 

should be - allowed: and as 

has sufficiently grown, e le should also in addition to 
- a good a . i ply, as it will material 

: early d 

. as the dam is taken away, the foal should 
have a ee. i , an old p - well, but 

generally other young stock that may be 
placed with it; be sbo .- handled, led s 

with the cj and well di . it ail tends to 

strengthen him. He should be ... .hed with 

ay, and occs . bould be 

to hirn a of colcarea carbatrica, calcarea 

phosphor at a. and : / forward the bony 

structure ; at the same time let" hirn have the full 
liberty of going into the open air as ''-'ell as being led 
out for an hour each day, with the care-on, which 
will brine him ready to the trainer's hands, without 



60 BREEDING. 

irritating and weakening the animal by breaking, 
sweating, and physicking, &c, as the latter only de- 
bilitates the constitution, and predispose the animal to 
disease, rendering the stomach and intestines irritable, 
and inducing costiveness ; the air passages also sym- 
pathizing with the stomach, are thereby predisposed 
to catarrh, bronchitis, &c. Should the animal evince 
signs of the strangles, mercurius | should be given, 
followed by hepar sulphuris. Byronia, if indicated, 
and sidph. After sweating, chi?ichona should be ad- 
ministered ; if coldness of the extremities, arsenicum ; 
when shedding the coat, chinchona, calcarea, and silicea 
are useful. 

To return to the choice of animals for general breed- 
ing, that is half-bred horses, the mare selected should 
not be less than sixteen hands high, of good temper, 
clean head, large eyes, small muzzle, wide between 
the angle of the sub-maxillary jaws, deep oblique 
shoulders, with large flat legs, short between the joints, 
and the flexor tendons standing well out, and not, as 
is termed, tied in under the knee, the girth should be 
moderately round and very deep ; the back or false 
ribs deep, and standing well out. I do not attach so 
much importance to the very short back and the close 
approximation of the ribs to the hip, as is generally 
so much sought after ; although confessedly, for carry- 
ing immense weights, it is a point that should not be 
lost sight of ; but there can be no doubt of its detract- 
ing considerably from the speed of the animal. The 
quarters should be lengthy, wide, and muscular, the 
angle formed between the hips, round-bone and stifle, 
should be large, the thighs muscular, the hocks flattish 
and large, and the os calcis, or point of the hock 
should be prominent, and the large metatarsal or can- 
non bone should be rather short, constituting what is 
termed a well let down quarter. This kind of mare is 
to be met with out of the hunting stables, or coach- 
ing establishments ; the animal's wind and constitution 



MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. 61 

should be well examined, and if sound, her age is not 
so much an object, but should not be bought, if to 
repay the breeder well, after fourteen years old. This 
kind of animal put to a thorough-bred horse of good 
appearance, will generally remunerate the breeder ; 
the cost of keeping good and bad stock being the same, 
the trouble being the selection of a mare. A good four 
year old colt or filly, unbroke, well shaped, &c. being 
worth forty pounds according to the average price of 
horses ; whilst for a bad looking one of the same age, 
it would be difficult to find a purchaser. 



MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. 

In the management of young horses, one of the 
principal things to be observed is, not to let the change 
from the natural to the artificial state be too sudden, 
to have cool, well-drained and ventilated stables ; the 
practice of bleeding and physicking should be aban- 
doned ; in lieu thereof, let the exercise be better pro- 
portioned, and the quantity of food gradually increased, 
and I make no doubt that the animals will encounter 
the variations of temperature, to which of necessity 
they must be exposed, with fewer diseases than is 
generally attendant on domestication. A young horse 
should not have less than two hours' exercise every 
day, with a steady well-tempered man to tutor him, 
either in the break or saddle ; if intended for the pur- 
pose of hunting, he should be, for a week or two, 
practised over various kinds of fences, with a long line 
fastened to his bit ; he may thus be rode with hounds, 
a man having a long line still fastened to his bit ; he 
should then set him over light fences : but when they 
are difficult he should dismount and lead him over. 
This accustoms young horses to become steady, per- 
fect fencers, and to make them either go at their fences 
full speed, as larger ditches and brooks require the 
6 



62 



MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. 



impetus of speed, or steady, as double banks, drops, 
and awkward timber fences. 

I have known young horses very excellent fencers 
before they had been half a dozen times with hounds, 
only through their proper training ; and I have seen a 
colt leap a hurdle with gorse five feet in height after 
his oats, he never having been in the breaker's hands ; 
and most young horses will, with proper management, 
become good fencers. In perfecting young horses for 
hacks, it is necessary that they should be ridden through 
the streets, in crowds, and with soldiers, and made to 
face all kinds of vehicles ; for which purpose it is ne- 
cessary that a good rider, with hands and temper to 
boot, should be on their backs several hours daily. 
Although they generally are at first shy, they become 
weary with continual walking about in the streets, 
until they get accustomed to all kinds of noises, which, 
if good tempered they soon will, and when the horse 
is weary w T ith walking, the man should frequently dis- 
mount, teach the horse to stand, and mount again. 

For the purpose of harness, the means employed 
is, to place the young horse by the side of a well- 
trained old horse in the double break ; those that are 
accustomed and kept for the purpose, are the best, 
and they should have daily lessons ; and if required 
for single harness,' a stout, straight-shafted, high gig 
is used after the animal has been a sufficient time in 
double harness, and in which he may take his daily 
lessons. The lighter the bit used, the better generally 
will be the horse's mouth and temper ; should he pull 
hard, he ought to stand with the mouthing bit on in 
the stables, or the dumb-jockey, and fastened on each 
side with the pillar reins for an hour or two each day. 

The summering of hunters has been a subject of 
much argument, some advocating the turning out in 
meadows ; whilst others, consider the keeping of hunt- 
ers in boxes the best method, and feeding them on 
vetches, &c« 



MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. 63 

The best management is between the two, if sheds 
can be procured in lowland pasture, where the horses 
can be well fed with oats ; the exercise they then re- 
ceive, together with the moisture from the grass, is de- 
cidedly more beneficial to the health of the animal and 
to the improvement of his feet than standing all the 
summer through, on straw or tan, or mould as it be- 
comes impregnated with urine, generating ammoniacal 
gas, &c. The sheds should have doors, so that the 
animal can be shut in from tempestuous weather, or 
when it is excessively hot, or much tormented with 
flies ; if the boxes face the north, it will be cooler, and 
they can leisurely resort to the sheds from the annoy- 
ance of flies, for which reason they should not be 
placed near woods. Thatch is the best roofing, as it 
does not impart the" heat of the sun like most others 
in use. 

Nutritious food, such as oats, should never be with- 
held from the hunter in summer, especially aged 
horses ; for the loss of stimulating food in the summer 
will be readily seen by the wasted condition of the 
muscles of horses during their conditioning or prepa- 
ration for the next season's work ; and which tone of 
muscle, old horses take a long time in recovering, 
although they may look well and fat w 7 hen first taken 
up. 

August, by general consent, being the month that 
hunters are again brought into the stables to undergo 
the preparation for hunting, and during that month and 
to the middle of September, long walking exercise 
every morning from five to eight o'clock should be 
adopted, and the horses watered out. The next step 
is to alternate the trot with the walk, so that they may 
walk two hours and trot one ; but where there is cub 
hunting, some of the horses will be kept in from their 
morning's work to go, which tends greatly to bring 
young horses into a proper form, as well as to make 
them steady. About the beginning of October, hunters 



64 MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG HORSES. 

should have fast work. Horses that are of a craven 
disposition and gross habit of body, should sweat at 
least once a week, that is, take their gallop of four 
miles at half speed, with hood and body clothes. 
Light-hearted horses of a nervous disposition will not 
require their work so severe ; generally speaking, a 
two mile gallop thrice a week, with a gentle canter 
and trot each day between, is sufficient. 

Whereas the craven horse should go from three to 
four miles thrice a week, with a gentle canter and trot 
each day between. They should also walk half an hour 
before and after their work ; if the stable is convenient, 
it is the best way to scrape the sweating horses in, and 
then let them walk out half an hour. This method 
should be adopted till the commencement of hunting, 
and the horses will be brought to a state of condition 
that they will require little less than walking exercise, 
that is if they go regularly with the hounds ; for a horse 
that does not go oftener than once a week, a gallop is 
requisite on the fifth day after hunting, and on the sixth 
he should have a canter whilst out at his exercise, 
which means will ensure his lasting through a run, 
provided he is judiciously ridden, and his natural 
abilities good. The morning after hunting, a horse 
should have an hour's walking exercise, that is, if he 
is well and not lame ; but on the other days the time 
of exercise should not be less than two hours, from 
eight o'clock in the morning till ten. The hours I have 
named have the advantage of better daylight than from 
six o'clock till eight, and generally it is a little warmer ; 
it has its disadvantages, too. Some prefer the earlier 
hours, but the time of shutting up the stable will not 
be materially altered ; five o'clock in the winter being a 
good hour to go to the stable, therefore if the horses 
are dressed and the men have had their breakfasts, 
they will then be ready to get their two hours' exercise 
over by ten o'clock. The horses will not require so 
long dressing as when they are not dressed before ex- 



A GLANCE AT SHOEING. 65 

ercise, although many grooms prefer the earlier exer- 
cise ; and where the help is insufficient, the work of 
the stable could not be so well performed without it 
was adopted. 

. Many an argument has been held that hunters do not 
require fast exercise ; but I have never found horses so 
fit to go as those that have had plenty of fast exercise ; 
but of course the work that horses do should always 
be performed under the immediate eye of a sensible 
and experienced person ; that the best ground should 
be selected and the pace regulated, as many foolish 
persons abuse the horses placed under their charge, 
and do the animal more harm by what is termed giv- 
ing him a gallop than a day's hunting. 

In the preparation of hunters many medicaments are 
likely to be required, such ascalcarea, silicea, and sul- 
phur, when changing their coat. After sweating, cin- 
chona, antimonium crudum and arsenicum; if catarrh 
in damp weather, dulcamara, also bryonia, sulphur ^ 
&c. ; if with loose cough, mercurius, iodium, and se- 
pia ; if feverish, aconite, bryonia, &c. Twice a 
week, in lieu of one of his feeds of oats, the horse 
should have a mash of bran, which will guard against 
constipation. 

A GLANCE AT SHOEING. 

Volumes have been written on the subject of shoeing 
horses, and many improvements of late have taken 
place. I have lately introduced the use of a solution 
of caoutchouc mixed with fine cut cork, with the view 
of guarding against concussions, as it is through con- 
cussion that many of the lamenesses are caused, 
particularly ring bones, ossified lateral cartilages, 
laminitis, and disease of the navicular joint, &c. 
It is well calculated for recent sprains, particularly of 
the flexor tendons, and suspensory ligaments of the 
fore legs ; it is to be used in lieu of leather soles, as by 
6* 



66 A GLANCE AT SHOEING. 

its elasticity, and being quite impervious to wet, it is 
well adapted for the purpose for which I have intro- 
duced it, namely, to guard against concussion . # In 
nailing a hard, unyielding material, as iron, to the in- 
sensible part of the horse's foot, we deprive him, in a 
measure, of a natural spring, as horn is elastic in a 
slight degree ; and it is only to be wondered that foot 
lamenesses are not more frequent, when we consider 
the pace the horse is driven over the stones of the 
metropolis and macadamized roads, and the great 
weight thrown on each foot as it reaches the ground. 
This introduction of course would not suit the hunting 
field, or the race course, from the liability of being 
pulled off; neither is it required there, as the ground 
in itself is yielding. 

I have found no shoes so good for hunters as the 
plain concave shoe, properly fitted, and they can easily 
be seated if the horse's sole should be too flat, so as to 
require it, and they are scarcely ever cast. The hunting 
shoes of the hind feet should be, in turning, hammered 
with a sledge in a mould placed on the anvil, so as to 
form the toe and part of the sides quite round. There 
has been much said with regard to the expansibility of 
the horse's foot, at least, the under, or part that the 
shoe is nailed to. I do not deny that there is expan- 
sion in that part of the foot ; but it is very limited, 
much more so than we are induced to believe from the 
stress laid by many authors on the expansion of that 
part of the horse's foot, but the expansion is consider- 
able from the pressure of the lateral and inferior car- 
tilages, and those more elastic parts of the horse's foot 
that tend to guard against concussion. 

The shoes used for hacks, carriage horses, &c, are 
numerous, and of late many new inventions have been 
introduced. 



* Experience has shown that the caoutchouc wears the best with- 
out being mixed with cork. — Ed. 



A GLANCE AT SHOEING. 67 

I have found a similar fore shoe to those I have 
recommended for hunters very well adapted for hacks, 
with the exception of being a trifle wider and longer at 
the heels, with the nails placed more anteriorly : and 
if a horse is in the habit of clicking or forging, this 
kind of fore-shoe would be still more called for, and the 
toe of the hind foot should project a little over the shoe. 

These shoes should always be steeled at the toe, 
otherwise they would wear too quickly, on account of 
the ground surface being narrower than that of the flat 
shoe. # 

I think it a better plan, where caulkings are used on 
the shoes of the hind feet of carriage horses, to have 
both heels turned up, as it prevents slipping more 
effectually when they are obliged to be suddenly 
pulled up, especially on the wood pavement ; and 
another advantage derived from it is, the more equal 
bearing of the heels, by placing them on a parallel 
from the ground, as nature never intended to have one 
heel higher than the other ; and for light work, if 
caulkings are used, they should not be made too 
long. When one half is turned up, and the other 
thickened, it generally occurs that the one turned up is 
higher than the inner heel of the shoe, which is 
thickened, consequently the foot is uneven, and there- 
by rendered more liable to sprains. There is a disad- 
vantage attending the turning up of both heels, that is, 
a liability to wound the coronet of the foot, but it is of 
very unfrequent occurrence ; and horses that stand 
with one foot on the other whilst resting, should not 
have the inner heel turned up, but thickened to an 
equal height as the outer heel. Horses that are in the 
habit of cutting must be shod accordingly. 

One of the most efficacious plans in the prevention 
of cutting, is the three-quartered shoe ; it should be 



* Rodway's patent shoes are very much approved of by parties 
that use them extensively. 



68 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

steeled at the toe and made very light and thin, with* 
out a caulking on the outside heel. There are other 
kinds used on some horses with advantage. The em- 
ployment of the unilateral shoe is also very general for 
the same purpose. 

That to which much importance should be attached, 
is the proper fitting of the shoe, and not to cut open 
the heels or rasp the crust thin ; the heels should not 
be left too high, and the toes of most fore-feet require 
a little shortening at each shoeing, and the superfluous 
and broken parts of the sole should alone be taken 
away ; but on no account to leave the sole too thin, as 
a bruise from a stone might occasion the animal to falh 



SYMPTOMS OF DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

The diagnosis of the diseases of the horse, without 
which there is no possibility of curing them, is a mat- 
ter as important as it is difficult in certain cases. In 
order to establish it, it is necessary to subject the sick 
animal to an examination, which not only embraces 
the disease and its symptoms, but extends also to the 
rest of the phenomena of the animal's peculiar life. 
The comparison between these two orders of symp- 
toms, shows us how far the present state of the horse 
is removed from the natural condition, and allows us 
to establish our prognosis ; for it is evident that the 
more the functions are altered from their normal 
course, the more the physiognomy of the animal dif- 
fers from what it should be, the more the exterior is 
changed ; the more the secretions and excretions have 
become irregular ; the more serious and alarming is 
the character of the disease. 

The examination of a sick animal presents, in some 
respects more, in some less of difficulty than that of a 
human being affected with disease. It is more diffi- 
cult, inasmuch as the practitioner must often dispense 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 69 

with the knowledge of the history of the case. The 
animal not being able to speak to inform him of his 
previous habits, of the injurious influences to which he 
was exposed, of his present feelings, of the duration of 
his disease, &c, and the persons who are in care of 
him, generally affording but very incomplete informa- 
tion, — we frequently obtain but very vague and un- 
satisfactory ideas about the case ; besides that, we are 
not always told respecting the onset of the disease, 
whether such onset be really unknown, or those in 
charge of the animal have been too careless to inquire 
into it, or there may be some motive for concealing it. 
Another difficulty is owing to this, that the animals 
cannot tell us their subjective symptoms, that is to say, 
what they feel, the nature of their pains, &c. 

But on the other hand the examination is more easy 
in some respects, because the animal, obedient to its 
instinct, expresses its sufferings by movements, atti- 
tudes, looks, sounds, &c. The phenomena themselves 
are much more distinctly marked, because there is not 
in this case as in man, the imagination to exercise any 
influence over them. Also everything discovered in 
the sick animal may be considered as a consequence 
of the state of the organs. The pulse and beatings 
of the heart, among others, afford much more precise 
and certain signs than in man. A practical knowledge 
of the symptoms of the disease constitutes what is 
called, in veterinary medicine, the coup (Peril, and is 
very necessary to the homoeopathist. 

It is of the utmost importance, when a sick animal 
is examined, carefully to collect all the symptoms, even 
those the least marked, and to arrange them properly ; 
for this is almost the sole and only means of ascertain- 
ing the form of the disease ; the practitioner having no 
other resource for this, except to take into account that 
which is represented externally in the animal. 

The order in which we proceed to the examination 
is not a matter of indifference ; from the manner in 



70 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

* 

which it is done, we judge of the skill of the practi- 
tioner. Thus it would be giving a very unfavorable 
idea of oneself to commence the examination by- 
indicating the accessory symptoms, and then to pass 
to that of the essential symptoms, or to jumble and 
confound both orders of symptoms indiscriminately. 
To confine oneself to a certain order is, besides, a 
means for rendering the examination itself much 
easier. 

The usage is to commence with the symptoms 
which are referrible to the exterior of the animal, and 
which, as such, first fall under the cognizance of the 
senses, because in many cases, they are sufficient to 
enable us to recognize the disease, and even to judge 
of its seat. To this head may be referred : — 

1st. The movements and attitudes of the body and 
its several parts, chiefly of the head, eyes, limbs, and 
tail, as the animal indicates the pains he feels by striv- 
ing to repel or avoid the pernicious influences from 
without, or to relieve the sufferings which torture him. 

2nd. The look and physiognomy. To be sure it 
cannot be said that the horse has a physiognomy, in the 
sense in which this term is applied to the human sub- 
ject. Still the character, the breed, and the state of 
health and of disease are expressed in him in a very 
striking manner. His physiognomy becomes particu- 
larly characteristic in tetanus, internal gangrene, ver- 
tigo, &c. It is for this reason we should attach a spe- 
cial importance to the examination of the eye. 

After having considered all the symptoms connected 
with the exterior of the body of the animal, we next 
proceed to examine the pulse and the beatings of the 
heart. These two phenomena have great value, as 
characteristic signs, in the diseases of our domestic an- 
imals — of the horse more especially. The pulse is 
felt on embracing the submaxillary artery between the 
index and middle finger, as it crosses the anterior por- 
tion of the tuberosity of the lower jaw. With respect 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 71 

to the beatings of the heart, they are felt by placing 
the palm of the hand on the horse's left side, not far 
from the elbow. But to be able to judge of a disease 
from the pulsations of the arterial system, it is neces- 
sary to know the character of the pulse in the state of 
health, and to have attained a certain degree of dex- 
terity in examining it. The number of the pulsations 
is about from thirty-two to forty per minute in the 
adult horse when in health, and from forty-six to fifty- 
five in the young horse. If the animal is irritable, his 
pulse is more frequent and also harder, that is, it strikes 
with more force against the finger, which is generally 
considered a sign of vigor ; it is slower and softer in 
phlegmatic breeds. 

The pulse varies very much in diseases. It is ac- 
celerated (above fifty, sometimes seventy or eighty, 
and even up to one hundred or more,) in febrile dis- 
eases. The pulse at once frequent, hard, and strong, 
in general indicates an inflammatory affection. When 
slow and weak, or easily compressed, it denotes de- 
bility, advanced age, or an anemic state of the body. 
When accelerated or feeble, it indicates imminent 
danger, and worse still, if it have an unequal, inter- 
mitting character. In pneumonia, it is frequently op- 
pressed. In enteritis, hard, quick, and wiry in its 
feel. If whilst the mouth and feet are cold, the pulse 
is no longer felt, life is very seriously threatened. 
Oftentimes the pulsations of the heart are no longer 
perceptible during the repose of the animal, but slight 
motions are sufficient to render them perceptible. 
Further, there are two circumstances which must not 
be lost sight of; the first is, that we can judge so 
much better of the state of the pulse, the more tran- 
quil the animal is ; the second is, that the pulse is in- 
fluenced by everything which can excite fear or unea- 
siness, so that we should not examine it abruptly, and 
before we have familiarized ourselves with the animal 
to a certain extent, 



/ 2 DISEASES oi tiii; HORSE. 

Alicr i h< * puis©, th© respiration should be examined 5 

wr should Insl attend lo lis l'i e<jueney and its i < I: i ! i< >i i: > 

to the pulsations of the bearti in the state of health* 
the horse respires from nine to ten times ©very minute. 
We should see also what the temperature and odor of 
the expired air may be. We examine ail die pheno- 
mena wiili winch the respiration may be accompanied, 
such as different sounds, cough; &c. The anomalies 
<>f tins function possess great importance, nol only in 
the, idiopathic affections of the organs charged with its 
performance, hut also in the diseases <<f other organs, 
particularly the brain, heart, &c. in the lesions 
which compromise the entire vita] activity, and m 

many fevers, especially in Ihosc which assume an in 
flamnialoi y charaelei . 

Prom the respiration, we pass <>»• to digestion. The 
apparatus destined for the performance <*f this func- 
tion furnishes important diagnostic signs, inasmuch as, 

it enjoys ;• great predominance in our domestic ani- 
mals, and independently <»f the diseases peculiar to it, 
ii participates in those of several other systems and 
organs. We investigate the signs winch may be de- 
rived from hunger, thirst, the manner in winch the 

animal lakes his food, inn I i<:il< : and swallows il, Ihe 

state of die abdomen, Hie quality of the alvinc dejec- 
tions, &e. 

The total loss of appetite is ;• phenomenon much 
more serious in domestic annuals than in man. 11 is, 

therefore, always a lavorahlc sivn when Ihey lake 

food, provided, however, that they are cons* ions of 
what they do. 

a phenomenon worthy of remark is, that inflamma- 
tory diseases are accompanied by an increase in the 
contraction of die intestinal parietes, and a diminution 
in the secretions, which may be ascertained by th© 

small size, hardness, dryness, the more or less deep 

color <>f the evacuations, whilst the contrary takes 
place in putrid diseases, where the alvin© dejections 



ted into lai 

■ 
j .■ 

.j in refei . 

■. . eontrib tfe - to n* 
Ibe genera] state oj inflammatkm, putridity . 

. tiighe : importance. 
La ■. , ention to the ' re of the 

■ -, ". ':h\<;i\y of the .".'. .'. and 
• •■ u pale or red color- and the eh* : -.'■ i o( 
....... i to .'.'..'-■-' 

. . riot '--•../ chi 

\ao on the • » of the d -. . i .. I bey de not 

i from the .vo-.yo.w . I bem - . re .. A* 

must be oo.-. ..',-. te prod ret oi 

ibjeetive < -A an 

cm obj ' be ■'.'■ 

- i etion 

•, eon '''-•, mode oi life, the 

.: mm be ha . bad ' - . I be ; - te '-• I i ; . b be i ri 

.;■', the di tea e i i itfc rbiefa he bad pre 
rid ' - .-: rtate o( I be ■. a • 

:;.'.'.': .."/.'. With /'. JJ .':',',' ', ' , o . ; ' 

. ■/, \ to \ be ■ '■- I ■ ' "'• ■ 

the ill / njoi >ki .-'.'.-.. ..'./. man & ted i 

■ be eo u se oi the di '•. .--. vote 

. 

With ;.; •. sel ■' . './'' .':.:-./. M 

rig to the ee I be p deri • --. ti 

tool ' be animal a 1 1 cue : 
titudo rig, be 

. that it r.. te de 

. .\ of the bod - 



74 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 

In laminitis, when standing, the weight is thrown on 
the heels. When walking, he rests less on it ; when 
one touches it, he sometimes draws it back, or raises 
the foot ; if the pain have its seat elsewhere, the ani- 
mal frequently turns his head towards this part, or 
strikes it with the foot. In case the pains are very- 
severe, he remains as if struck with stupOr, and with 
his head inclined to the ground, or else he scrapes 
with his fore-feet, or stamps with the hind-feet, or he 
rolls himself on the ground. 

The eyes, even when they are not the seat of the 
disease, often express the state of the animal : dull and 
full of water, for instance, they indicate exhaustion 
and weakness, whilst when bright, full of force, and 
projecting out of the orbits, they denote an inflamma- 
tory state, or sometimes a very acute pain. 

Every time the hair is observed to be dull and 
staring, it is a proof of disease, for it is shining and 
smooth when the animal is in good health. This 
symptom denotes a bad nutrition, insufficient food, 
more especially abdominal affections, when emacia- 
tion is combined with it. 

When the respiration is slow and calm, we conclude 
that there is no fever, and that the pectoral organs are 
healthy ; when it is hurried, violent, and accompanied 
with heaving of the flanks, it frequently denotes the 
presence of fevers, more especially of inflammatory 
fever, and when there is cough, or stertorous breathing, 
we infer the existence of some disease of the lungs or 
the windpipe. 

If the horse remain constantly standing up, the fore- 
legs widely separated, we are warranted in presuming 
a disease of the thoracic organs, pneumonia, peripneu- 
monia, inflammation of the diaphragm, water in the 
chest, &c, because in all these cases respiration is 
performed with more ease whilst standing. When 
the animal always remains lying down, it is a proof 
of great debility, or of pain, or some disease of the 
feet. 



DISEASES* OF THE HORSE. 75 

Every time that certain parts of the body are either 
burning hot or very cold, we may reckon on it that 
there is some disease. Heat of the head and that of 
the mouth, with shaking and a staring coat, are inva- 
riably symptoms of fever ; cold in the head, ears, and 
feet, frequently indicate great debility and exhaustion 
of the animal.* 

I repeat that wherever homoeopathic medicines are 
in question, the liquid form of those substances should 
be understood, and the dose should never exceed, one, 
two, or three drops.f 

* Consult on diseases of the horse, the following works : Vatel, 
(P.) Elements de Pathologie vitirinarie ou Pricis thiorique et 
pratique de la M6decine et de la Chirurgie des Animaux domestiques. 
Paris, 1828; 3 vols. 8vo. Hurtrel D'Arboval, Dictionnaire de 
M6decine, de Chirurgie et d'Hygie'ne vdtirinaires, deuxieme edition. 
Paris, 1838 — 39, 6 vols 8vo. Delafbnd, (O.) Traiti de Pathologie 
et de Thirapeutique gdnirales v6t6rinaires. Paris, 1838 — 44 ; 3 
vols. 8vo. Rainard, Traiti de Pathologie et de Thdrapeutique 
ginirales viterinaires- Lyon, 1841 ; 2 vols. 8vo, 

t See Jahr. Nouvelle Pharmacopie et Posologie homosopathiques. 
Paris, 1840, 12mo. 



SECTION I. 



POSE TISSUE. 



ABSCESSES. 

All abscesses, even when they depend <>n an exter- 
nal cause, having been preceded, or being still accom 1 - 
l>;uii<'<l by inflammation, their treatment must, be com- 
menced with aconite or bryonia. The hepar sulphuris 

almost always serves to induce suppuration when 
resolution cannot be obtained ; a (Jose of it is to be 
taken every six hours. The means employed in the 

ease of abseesses which have suppurated are : arsenic, 
internally and externally, when the edges are hard and 
everted, when there is pain, inflammation, and the pus 
exhales a bad smell ; Sllecia, when the pus is thick, and 
of a bad color ; mercurius vivus and asafcetida when 
the pus is of a dull color, and fetid ; camomile, sepia, 
and arsenic, when granulations are too profuse. 
Among the medicaments to be employed to soften 

hard abscesses, bari/tu carbonica, (almost, a specific,) 

bryonia, camomile, car bo animalis, car bo vegetalis, 
COnium, iodium, kali carbon/cam, and sulphur, are 
those which should hold the first rank. 



>.v,v:.v;> — k a >.:<:.> 



A \. O P K f, J '-. 



The kikming medicines bare been reeommendedin 

:-: -'■■■/<■:■ -.■■-::: 'A -. ■.:■'. \ , :.:'..-. -r;,;rvJ.v:. ~. y/jy,- 

dhm, carbc -. \tur f (as 

eonseeuthre treatmei. m (when there h eroaeja- 

tion at the same time) : koU corhomcum (when mete k 

■'--.'.-j r A ..-': • ..-■ '. ■-.' \ y w -. >• tyryvro/i 

(when the affection, come* on after a sodden impres- 
sion of cold; ; orsemcum (if it has been preceded by 
ulceration) ; a%oricm musearius (when the bairn (all 
above the eyes) ; caustic (ft mere beat me same time 
anj disease oi the eyes);* mrtop&" '<*& 

:. a:. ".--;' . y . A h: . v '. - >;-; w -■ • ^ 

pen na a g mm j psora) ; it k also ttsefbl to 

-. •-:". ': %/,' \ ' ' '. '; " -': '. \ ' V '. • V. ": Hi \ '.'.■■:: 



AM 
Anasarca, a disease of considerable frequency m 

.'.','-,-■ ',,:.• v'/-. .-. > ',', -v/ -.- -. -.". ■ . : '/-. \ .-.. 

.'.•'.:,■ \.\ .-. :w . '>::■■:■. >,:■/, :;■■-:■. :.>.,'.-. - 
Hie legs, abdomen, e&esk scrotum, &e, ; mrmetime* it 

>,">:,.: :.- . A--.... '■, -• ". ->. ;,•>--, '.; - -.-.-.- 

'i -^ ' -.: c ;- : -v: .: :'•-." ', .hi .".ha: . - -. 

a capital medkine; l&opod&m k ako frond T«y 

>';' v , ^ .'. ~; -v. •-; >;.> n •-> .-'- ■.,.:: .:. :. >..'..-. -J. 



78 ANTICOR ■ EXANTHEMES. 

when there is constipation and difficulty of breathing, 
as also when the swelling is hot and tense, and after 
cold ; colchicum, in general anasarca, with constipa- 
tion, dysuria, and dry coughs ; dulcamara, when the 
swelling has manifested itself, after sudden exposure 
to the cold, or when it is accompanied with symptoms 
of strangles ; belladonna, when it appears clammy to 
the touch, and yields a sort of crepitation ; rhus toxi- 
codendron a very important remedy, especially when 
there is rigidity of the limbs, chiefly after rest ; secale 
cornutum, alternated with arsenicum, and followed 
with sepia, when the legs are affected with an anasarca 
which extends rapidly. The prognosis is generally 
unfavorable when anasarcous swellings make their 
appearance in the different parts of the animal when 
laboring under ascites or hydrothorax ; but we have 
cedematous swelling of the legs at times in successful 
cases. 



ANTICOR. 

This name is given to a round inflammatory swelling, 
about the size of the fist, which forms on the chest, 
opposite to the heart. This tumor frequently comes 
on after exposure to the cold : it then yields to one or 
two drops of aconitum, followed by arnica. This last 
remedy is also the one which should be employed, 
when the swelling is occasioned by a contusion, or 
any other external cause. China is also useful in the 
case of a more extensive and general affection of the 
chest. 



EXANTHEMES. 

The history of exanthematous diseases is one of the 
opprobria of allopathy, as well in human as in veteri- 
nary medicine. With respect to their exciting cause, 



EXANTHEMES. 79 

their essence, and their treatment, errors have been 
accumulated on errors, and thus innumerable evils 
have been spread over the world. It was reserved 
for homoeopathy, to throw on this subject, as well as 
on so many others, a bright light, which must fill with 
admiration of Hahnemann's sagacity, every man 
whose eyes are not absolutely blind. 

In the different diseases which affect man and ani- 
mals, under so many and such varied forms, every 
one acknowledges, there must be a peculiar fitness and 
predisposition to contract them. Without this apti- 
tude, neither men nor animals would ever fall sick, 
and the unfavorable circumstances would act on them 
from without, as the influences of heat, cold, &c, 
would never cause the entire organism to sympathize 
with them, nor would they occasion such or such a 
form of disease according to' the individuals. There 
must then be some internal peculiarity, wholly foreign 
to the external exciting cause, which determines the 
form and direction of the disease, and constitutes the 
germ whence the latter proceeds. This germ of the 
majority of diseases, chronic diseases in particular, 
has received from Hahnemann the name of psora, 
because numberless examples have proved to him that 
the inunctions, with which persons are in the habit 
of treating the itch, are the sources of the great ma- 
jority of the derangements of the health. Psora, which 
exists in a greater or less degree in all men, though 
often reduced to the latent state, (that is, without ap- 
preciable symptoms), is developed, according to cir- 
cumstances, under such or such a form of disease, 
and resembles, in some measure, a root which puts 
forth towards the skin branches and flowers, which 
go by the name of exanthemes. From this mode of 
viewing matters, it follows : firstly, that the eruption 
which appears on the skin, (pustules, vesicles, &c), 
is not the disease itself, as the allopathic school thinks, 
but merely one of its products or symptoms : secondly, 



80 EXANTHEMES, 

that a rational method of treatment must be directed 
against the root which vegetates internally, and that 
in order to cure the exanthema radically, without in- 
juring the health, this root must be completely ex- 
tirpated. The truth of this doctrine is put out of 
doubt by the success with which homoeopathy, by 
means of remedies which it designates antipsoric, 
so frequently cures, in a number of cases, with readi- 
ness and ease, so many chronic diseases in the treating 
of which allopathy is powerless because it knows not 
their focus, properly so called. Now there is no 
doubt that psora exists in animals also, a thing which 
I might prove by the most palpable instances. 

With respect to the exanthematous diseases of the 
horse, they mainly depend on psora existing in the 
animal ; they depend not, as has been stated, on the 
animal's rubbing himself against hard bodies : this is 
but an occasional cause, which requires also a special 
predisposition. 

Two principal causes of exanthemes are distinguish- 
ed : some are dry, and others moist. 

The former present themselves, at first, under the 
appearance of small pimples, which subsequently scale 
off, so that the place they occupied seems covered 
with a farinaceous powder. To this state there is gen- 
erally added a distressing itching, which at times is so 
violent, that the animal becomes nearly mad, and 
enjoys not a moment's rest, either whilst he eats, or 
during the night. This state calls for the daily em- 
ployment of a dose of sulphur for some time, which 
is the principal remedy in all exanthemes, and which 
requires in certain cases only the concurrence of other 
antipsoric medicines. 

If the dry eruption assumes chiefly the form of a 
desquamation of the skin, some doses of sulphur are 
first administered, then sepia. When some parts of 
the body are divested of hair, the natrum muriaticum, 
or lycopodium are given, which are also preceded by 
some doses of sulphur. 



EXANTHEMES. 81 

Bryonia has been often found useful in a distressing 
itching, which has supervened after a sudden exposure 
to cold. Agaricus muscarius has also been found 
effectual against numerous small sub-cutaneous tu- 
bercles, accompanied by slight inflammation of the 
eyes. 

Humid exanthemes give rise to small vesicles, pus- 
tules, &c, which are elevated above the skin, often in 
very great quantity, very crowded on each other, and 
pour out over the integuments a fluid more or less 
watery, which is dried by the action of the air and 
converted into a crust. Frequently there are formed 
small ulcers, which have a tendency to deepen, and 
make way into the muscular parts situate beneath the 
skin, destroy the roots of the hair, and cause the latter 
to fall off, and produce intolerable itching. The 
itching becomes more troublesome at night, and 
obliges the animal constantly to rub himself. This 
disease appears at first in a single place on the body, 
chiefly on the tail, beneath the mane, and on the 
flanks, whence it extends gradually, so as often to 
cover the entire body : the animal then becomes more 
and more feeble, and unless medical aid is procured, 
disease of some of the vital organs terminates his 
existence, else some lingering chronic disease renders 
him nearly useless. In such cases, also, we should 
always commence with some doses of sulphur: still 
the cure depends on the greater or less duration of the 
disease, and on the general constitution of the animal. 
After sulphur, arsenicum, and rhus toxicodendron, are the 
principal remedies to be employed in treating the ex- 
anthemes, those even of the worst kind. Staphysagria 
has, in many cases, cured in a very short time, tuber- 
cles which occasioned much itching. Recourse may 
be had, also, to causticum, nitri acidum, creosotum, 
lauro-cerasus, calcarea-carbonica, hepar sulphuris, &c» 



82 INDURATION OF THE SKIN. 



FUNGUS. 

This name is given to indurations of the skin or 
cellular tissue, which occur chiefly in parts which are 
exposed to strong and continued pressure of the 
harness. Arsenicum is a tried remedy in such cases. 
Chamomilla has been chiefly recommended in the 
treatment of those which are developed in the withers. 
These excrescences must be sprinkled externally with 
dilute tincture of arnica, and when they begin to put 
on an unhealthy character, with arsenicum (two drops 
to a spoonful of water.) Sometimes they open : they 
should then be treated like other abscesses. Sepia is 
useful in the treatment of those fungous excresce nces 
so common on the heel. 



INDURATION OF THE SKIN. 

Hardening of the skin is almost always the conse- 
quence of an internal disease ; but it often takes place 
after the destruction of fungous excrescences by caus- 
tics, or in horses which have been subject to pressure 
from the collar in heavy draught, cha?nomilla, conium, 
and mercurius solubilis, are suitable remedies in the 
case of simple induration, and acidum phosphoricum, 
when the indurated parts contract in the form of 
folds. Induration of the skin of the posterior part 
of the knee and hock after an eruptive disease, term- 
ed mallenders or sallenders, frequently yields to 
cracks that discharge a semi-transparent fluid ; arnica, 
arsenicum, and rhus toxicodendron. Spiritus sulphur- 
atus is an excellent remedy against indurations ac- 
companied with itching. Sepia should be employed 
when the indurated skin is detached in scales or large 
patches. 



(EDEMATOUS SWELLING OF THE LEGS. 83 



MALLANDERS AND SALLANDERS. 

Scurfy eruptions, are so called, seated at the anterior 
bend of the hock, or at the posterior of the knee, 
accompanied with oozing, crusts and cracks in the 
skin, and which is productive of itching, pain, and 
sometimes even of lameness. This disease is some- 
times owing to long travelling on bad roads, want of 
cleanliness ; but for the most part it depends on in- 
ternal causes. Scabiescinum equorum and thuja, are 
generally the most useful for it ; next come jacea creo- 
sote and sarsaparilla. Sulphur completes the treat- 
ment. If any lameness remain after the disappear- 
ance of the exanthemata, we should have recourse to 
petroleum. 



(EDEMATOUS SWELLING OF THE LEGS. 

This is a disease which has its principal seat in the 
inferior part of the legs, more especially the hind legs, 
which at times, however, ascends higher up, even to 
the trunk, and which is also observed in the anterior 
extremities. It first presents itself in the form of a 
swelling, which generally lessens by exercise, but 
always reappears after standing a long time in the 
stable, and increases very much after some days' rest. 
The swollen part, which appears a little hot to the 
touch, occasions to the animal a sense of itching, and 
an acute pain whenever the part receives pressure, 
although in other cases there appears little or no pain. 
At length, after the swelling has attacked all the 
posterior part of the pastern-joint, a liquid discharges 
itself by small pores from the heels which at first is 
clear, like water, but soon becomes turbid and sani- 
ous, so as to corrode the skin and destroy the roots 
of the hairs. The inflammation and pain then make 



84 PHTHIRIASIS ; OR, MORBUS PEDICULARIS. 

rapid progress, so much so, that the animal can no 
longer bear the slightest touch ; he limps very much 
in walking, and when at rest he holds the foot off the 
ground. A few doses of thuja are sometimes suffi- 
cient to cure the disease radically, often in a few days, 
even when it is inveterate. However, when it lasts 
for some considerable time, the lameness increases 
very much, and there are frequently developed on the 
swelling, brownish or blueish excrescences, called 
grapes, which bleed on the least touch, and continual- 
ly exhale a fetid ichor, it has now become a case of 
greasy heel. Thuja administered internally, its strong 
tincture being at the same time employed externally, 
is useful in this case also. Amongst the other reme- 
dies which prove most useful, arsenicum, baryta car- 
bonica, mercurius solubilus, silicea and sulphur are the 
principal. Secale cornutum, alternately with arseni- 
cum, has produced excellent effects in a very bad case : 
the cure was ultimately effected by thuja. I have not 
yet made any trials with the podopyonium equorum, to 
which great virtues have been attributed in latter 
times 

PHTHIRIASIS; OR, MORBUS PEDICULARIS. 

Horses which are much used, not kept clean, and 
badly fed, are frequently much tormented by vermin, 
which increase very much on their body, and contri- 
bute not a little to exhaust them still more when no 
pains are taken to destroy them. This object is 
accomplished by means of an ointment prepared with 
one part of bruised parsley, and three parts of lard, 
which is spread over the hair of the animal by means 
of a wisp of straw in the hand. Internally, sabadil- 
la and sulphur are given, and if the animal is very 
weak, china. 

SWEATING. 

Sometimes the least motion is sufficient to cause a 



TETTERS — - TUBERCLES. 85 

horse to sweat. In several cases I have stopped this 
infirmity by means of nux vomica, mercurius vivus and 
sulphur, to each of which I allowed from five to six 
days to exhaust its action. A friend of mine cured it 
completely by sepia. Natrum muriaticum has also 
been ascertained to be very useful in it. Regular and 
steady exercise, with proper diet, should also be en- 
forced. 

SWELLING OF THE TEATS. 

Should there be inflammatory tumefaction, a dose 
of aconitum, followed by mercurius vivus, or of bryonia, 
seldom fails to diminish the swelling. 

TETTERS. 

Tetters, which are generally met with in the horse 
in the dry form, are the result of an internal disease 
(psora.) They are recognized by the appearance on 
some part of the body of numerous small pimples, 
collected together, and which, after a certain lapse of 
time, become converted into a scab devoid of hair. 
The disease is generally accompanied by itching, 
which obliges the animal constantly to rub himself. 
Rhus toxicodendron has been found to possess specific 
virtues in the cure of this affection. Sulphur, alumi- 
na and rhus, when there is very violent itching ; sepia, 
phosphorus and dulcamara in furfuraceous tetters. If 
there be a secretion of pus, hepar sulphuris ; and if 
the healing be difficult, arsenicum and silicea. 

TUBERCLES. 

Independently of the means mentioned under the 
articles Exanthemes, Strangles, Pole-evil, Abscess, 
&c, ledum, and in obstinate cases, silicea, have more 
than once displayed great power. We should also 

8 



86 ors. 

have recourse to bryonia and dulcamara in the cure of 
tubercles which succeed cold ; aconitum in heat spots ; 
arnica and urtica wrens in the tubercles which come on 
after the bites of insects ; arsenicum in those which 
appear on different parts of the body, with bad diges- 
tion; arnica, (a few doses), and then mer curias vivus 
in cold, indolent tubercles ; baryta carbonica in those 
seated on the lower jaw ; staphysag-ria, in those 
which occasion itching, and especially those which ap- 
pear on the edge of the eye-lids. Arnica has always 
succeeded in swellings occasioned by a contusion, or 
any other external lesion. 

TUMORS, (COLD). 

Cold tumors, which are often of very considerable 
extent, possessing the hardness of cartilage, and 
painful only when forcibly pressed, which sometimes 
appear on the thighs of horses, never fail to yield, in 
about three weeks or a month, to homoeopathic treat- 
ment. We should first give two or three doses of 
arnica, at intervals of three or four days. The ordi- 
nary effect of this remedy is to render the tumor pain- 
ful, and to soften it, at least partially. Some doses of 
mercurius vivus then cause it to open, or render it suffi- 
ciently soft to have it easily punctured. Two doses 
of silicea close the treatment. 

TUMOR ON THE ELBOW. 

A tumor which comes on the point of the elbow 
generally proceeds from the animal's shoes being in 
contact with the point of the elbow when lying ; in 
consequence of a fall, a blow, or under the influence 
of some internal cause. The swelling is, at first, hot 
and painful; but, by degrees, it is converted into a 
cold, indolent swelling, which scarcely ever interferes 
with the horse, but is merely determinal to the beauty 



TUMORS ON THE HEAD. 87 

of his shape. In the treatment we should have regard 
more particularly to the duration of the disease, and 
to the way in which it was brought on, whether by 
an internal cause, or some external violence. The 
affection, when recent, and more especially when oc- 
casioned by external violence, is easily cured with 
arnica, with which may be combined the dilute tinc- 
ture of this medicine. If the disease be of long stand- 
ing, chamomilla must be employed ; and if the swell- 
ing begins to grow hard, conium and ledum. When 
of very long standing, or of spontaneous origin, it is 
in general very difficult to cure. The principal 
means then are sulphur, antimonium crudum, petroleum 
and sepia. When the swelling is painful and itchy, 
or when lameness exists, we may employ besides, 
with advantage, odium, rhus, toxicodendron and Pul- 
satilla, alternately with conium. Silicea is indicated 
when it oozes. Chamomilla also is lauded as an inter- 
current remedy. There are circumstances where 
bryonia has been found useful, when the swelling be- 
comes hot and tense during the treatment ; calcarea 
carbonica, when it resembles a wen ; baryta carbonica 
when it resembles a steatome. In all cases, sulphur 
must be employed as consecutive treatment. This 
kind of tumor. is easily dissected out without the least 
danger. 

TUMORS ON THE HEAD. 

Tumors on the head, which arise sometimes from 
an external lesion, sometimes from cold, or an internal 
disease, are some of them hard, others spongy ; some- 
times watery, sometimes hot, or tense ; occasionally 
crepitating under the finger. The principal means to 
be employed are, in general, aurum, arsenicum, mer- 
curius vivus, sulphur, and acidum sulphuricum. The 
tumors caused by an external lesion are combated by 
arnica, Symphytum, and acidum sulphuricum; those of 



88 TUMORS WARTS. 

a tuberculous character, by angusiura ; those of a hot 
and tense quality, with bryonia ; those of a cold and 
crepitant quality, with belladonna; those which are 
small and numerous, with ledum. 

ENCYSTED TUMORS. 

Tumors, generally of an indolent nature, come on 
in different parts of the body, and vary very much in 
size. They are called encysted tumors, as being con- 
tained in an envelope. Some doses of arsenicum (one 
every three or four days) soften them, more especially 
when they are the result of a contusion ; then they are 
brought to suppurate by means of some doses of mer- 
curius vivus and silicea. In the case of these tumors 
without hair, calcarea carbonica chiefly should be em- 
ployed ; and when this remedy does not suffice, graph- 
ites is recommended in repeated doses. 

SANGUINEOUS TUMORS. 

Tumors, owing to an effusion of blood into the cel- 
lular tissue, for instance, to laceration of a small super- 
ficial vessel, to a blow, fall, &c, are matters of very 
trivial importance, when the quantity of blood effused 
is not considerable. However, as they sometimes 
cause suppuration, we must not neglect to employ in 
this treatment fomentations with arnica water, at the 
same time that we must administer some doses of ar- 
nica internally. 

"WARTS. 

These excrescences, which are of different forms, 
smooth, round, and varying in size, and which some- 
times follow external irritations of the skin, contu- 
sions, &c, depend much more frequently on an inter- 
nal cause. Some are hard and dry 7 others soft, spongy, 
moist, and more or less painful. The principal means 
to be employed in the treatment of the former are, 



BURNS CASTRATION. 89 

dulcamara and sulphur. If there take place around 
them an ulcerated zone with everted edges, arsenicum 
is to be employed ; causlicum is useful in those which 
bleed, suppurate, and occasion pain. Thuja inter- 
nally, and also the strong tincture externally is em- 
ployed in the cure of large scabby warts which are 
lobulated, moist, suppurating, and presenting a dis- 
gusting appearance. Sepia, also, has rendered good 
service in similar cases. Calcarea carbonica is the re- 
medy for small but numerous warts, which appear 
chiefly on the lips. 



SECTION* II. 

MECHANICAL INJURIES, SPRAINS, AND EXOSTOSIS. 

BURNS. 

It has been ascertained by experience, some time 
since, that a strong tincture of utica urens, employed 
externally, cures burns with great promptness. Ar- 
nica also has been employed successfully, as well in- 
ternally as externally. 

CASTRATION. 

Some doses of arnica are useful to prevent and stop 
the traumatic fever which succeeds this operation. It 
is right also to wash the wound with water to which 
some drops of tincture of arnica have been added. 
Not only is the cure more expeditious, especially when 
the lotions are frequently repeated, but the employ- 
ment of the arnica also destroys in the bud several oc- 
currences which sometimes prove dangerous. If fis- 
tulae become developed, we should follow the course 
8* 



90 CONTUSIONS. 

traced out under the article Fistula. Under the word 
Tetanus will be found the indication of the treatment 
to be adopted if that affection should supervene. I 
have always found arsenicum, followed by sulphur, 
useful in treating the tumefaction of the belly which 
sometimes occurs after the operation. 

CONTUSIONS. 

Contusions are cured in a very short time by the 
external application of tincture of arnica diluted with 
water. It is only in very bad cases that this medicine 
should be employed internally. If a bone has been 
affected along with the soft parts, or if the periosteum 
has been injured, instead of arnica, ruta graveolens 
and Symphytum should be employed, internally and 
externally. In some cases conium has been found 
useful. 

Thus when too tight girthing produces a contusion, 
the skin gradually becomes excoriated, and, if the 
matter be neglected, it is not uncommon to see inflam- 
mation and suppuration come on. Arnica never fails 
to cure lesions of this kind promptly and easily. If 
tumefaction has manifested itself, and if the swelling, 
when neglected, become inflamed, and pus be already 
formed, mercurius vivus, or hepar sulphur is, disposes it 
to open, and effects a cure. If crusts or scabs form in 
the injured part, thuja is indicated ; its use should be 
followed by that of sulphur. 

In the same manner, harness badly made, or ill 
applied, occasions injuries to the breast, back, and 
shoulders. There is first observed a bleeding excoria- 
tion, which, when neglected, passes readily into in- 
flammation and suppuration, and is often difficult of 
cure. Arnica given immediately, both internally and 
externally, soon cures all lesions of this kind. Bryo- 
nia, alternated with the external employment of arnica, 
is very useful in the treatment of colts which we de- 
sire to habituate and accustom to draught, and when 



CURB. 91 

sweated from the pressure of the harness. Pulsatilla 
and arsenicum are employed when the wound suppu- 
rates ; chamomilla, when large crops of pimples be- 
come developed on the part ; arsenicum, chamomilla, 
mercurius, and sulphur, when fungous excrescences 
appear. 

CURB. 

A swelling is so called that has its seat formed on 
the sheath of the flexor tendon. It is sometimes occa- 
sioned by a blow in leaping over timber, or walls ; but 
the most frequent cause is a strain. The horses most 
liable to it are those with sickle-shaped hocks, although 
the best shaped legs and hocks do not at all times es- 
cape. There being generally an undue weight thrown 
on the parts in breaking, it at first appears insignifi- 
cant, but generally terminates 'in lameness. Arnica 
and rhus toxicodendron never fail to prove useful, when 
employed in proper time, and especially when the an- 
imal is allowed rest. If, on the contrary, he be neg- 
lected, pain, swelling, and inflammation increase grad- 
ually, and there is formed a hard, cold, indolent tumor. 
There are cases, however, in which it does not be- 
come so considerable, or at least increases but slowly ; 
the horse then continues able to perform his duties, 
and the lameness which existed at first at length dis- 
appears. But when the swelling increases very much, 
continual lameness supervenes ; the motions of the 
joint, particularly those of flexion, become more and 
more impeded. When the strain is recent, arnica, 
alternated with rhus, and applied externally in the 
form of a lotion ; and, when first injured, mixed with 
boiling water, and applied hot ; at the same time give 
those medicines internally. With respect to the treat- 
ment of this disease, the use of silicea, calcarea, baryta, 
and sulphur must not be overlooked. 



92 DOCKING FRACTURES. 



BOOKING. 

The operation is sometimes followed by nervous 
irritation, which, when neglected, may bring on fatal 
consequences, such as Tetanus. In such cases, then, 
it is right to administer doses of arnica, in order to 
remove the traumatic fever. In cases (which are not 
uncommon) where the operation is succeeded by Te- 
tanus, the directions given under that head should be 
followed. The appearance of gangrene, which has 
sometimes been observed to occur after the operation, 
is prevented by the timely use of arnica. However, 
if there be inflammation already, &c, arnica is no 
longer of any use, and we must have recourse to some 
doses of arsenicum. Frequently, more especially 
when the first incision has been made too high, a fis- 
tulous ulcer supervenes, for the treatment of which 
see the article Fistula. Some lint, steeped in a dilu- 
ted tincture of arnica, should be bound tightly around 
the dock, which generally will answer every intention. 

FRACTURES. 

It sometimes happens from a fall, or a severe blow, 
that a greater or less portion of the bones of the ilium 
become fractured. There then appears in the same 
place a hot, painful tumor ; the horse limps, chiefly 
at the commencement, and when we view him from 
behind, we see the affected haunch lower than the 
other. This accident is never dangerous in itself. 
Every time the case is presented to me I have re- 
moved it by employing externally the strong tincture 
of Symphytum. I also give some drops of this inter- 
nally from time to time. 

Fractures of the ribs are often cured of themselves ; 
they are treated with Symphytum. When they are 
complicated with splinters projecting internally, they 
are liable to produce suppuration of the lung. 



FRACTURES. 93 

Like other fractures, those of the bones of the 
nose are cured in a little time by Symphytum. Any 
splinters that may exist must be carefully removed. 

Fractures of the bones of the legs are not uncom- 
mon in the horse. They are discovered by the animal 
being unable to rest on the affected limb, which, when 
carefully examined, exhibits the presence of flexion in 
a part where there is no joint, and causes a crepita- 
tion which is produced by friction of the ends of the 
bone. An inflammatory swelling soon attacks the 
part, which becomes very painful to the touch. Frac- 
tures of the limbs have been considered as incurable, 
in consequence of the weight of the body ; but sev- 
eral facts have satisfied me that with proper precau- 
tions we may succeed in curing them. The first is, 
after having duly fitted the ends of the bones as ex- 
actly as possible, to surround the fracture with broad 
bandages of cloth, over which we are to apply two 
iron splints, excavated in the form of a gutter, so that 
the one placed on the posterior surface may pass some 
inches beyond the hoof, and the affected limb may 
rest on it. We must then pass large girths around the 
chest and quarters, and under the belly an empty sack, 
or broad piece of canvass, which is attached to the 
ceiling with ropes and pulleys to be altered at pleas- 
ure, so that during the entire time of treatment the an- 
imal may be kept in a state of semi-suspension. With 
respect to internal treatment, he is to take on the first 
day two doses of arnica, then one every day ; then 
after four or five days, every two days only, one dose 
of Symphytum, and the bandage is to be frequently wet 
with cold water, to which there has been added from 
a third to a sixth of the pure tincture of this medicine. 
At the end of eight days the bandage must be removed 
to see whether the fragments of the bone have been 
duly brought into apposition, after which it is reap- 
plied, and so left until there is a complete cure. 
Up to this, we are to continue the use of the Symphy- 
tum, both internally and externally. 



94 FISTULA OF THE WITHERS. 



FISTULA OF THE WITHERS. 

Repeated friction, or prolonged compression on the 
withers, often occasions a contusion of the muscular 
or ligamentous parts, the effect of which is to give 
rise to a painful swelling. If this affection be not 
speedily remedied, if we do not change the form or 
arrangement of the saddle, the tumor soon suppurates : 
and, as the withers feel all the motions which the neck 
performs, as well as the back and leg, the disease soon 
increases in depth, attacking the ligaments, cartilages, 
and even the spinous processes of the vertebrae. If 
the accident is still recent, it is cured without the least 
difficulty, merely by taking care to moisten the part 
frequently with arnica water, with which fomentations 
also should be employed, which are likewise of great 
use when pressure has produced induration of the 
skin, and has made it assume the appearance of burned 
leather. 

Pulsatilla is administered internally, and when the 
tumor is not hot to the touch, or if it be of long stand- 
ing, conium. When relief has not been afforded in 
time, and especially when the cause continues to act, 
the disease makes rapid progress ; the pus, instead of 
escaping externally, becomes infiltrated more and 
more deeply, and gives rise to great disturbance of 
the system. We are frequently obliged to use the 
scalpel freely to lay open the parts, and to make a 
dependent opening for the evacuation of the pent up 
matter. If this pus is of bad quality, and fetid, mer- 
curius and asafastida are employed ; when the edges 
of the ulcer are hard and everted, accompanied by 
pain and inflammation, and the pus exhales a bad odor, 
arsenicum is the remedy to be employed. Silicea is 
useful whenever the pus is thick, and Pulsatilla when 
there are fistulous ulcers, or burrows. If there is 
caries of the spinal processes of the vertebrae, we 



LUXATION OF THE PATELLA POLE EVIL. 95 

must have recourse to the means pointed out in the 
article Caries. 

LUXATION OF THE PATELLA. 

This bone is sometimes displaced under the influ- 
ence of a blow, a false step, a slip, violent effort, a sud- 
den leap, &c. The horse then holds his leg stiff and ex- 
tended ; he cannot rest on it, and when obliged to 
walk, he draws it along. The reduction is effected 
by having sufficient help, and placing a side line, with 
a hobble, on the pastern of the affected limb ; and 
drawing the hind leg forward, the surgeon is then 
with both hands to bring the bone into its place. At 
times it takes place of itself, if the horse makes the 
slightest movement. However, the ligaments are, in 
general, weakened to such a degree, that the slightest 
cause suffices to reproduce the luxation. Hence the 
affected part must be treated for some days with strong 
tincture of arnica externally, and as long as the treat- 
ment lasts the animal should be left in a state of abso- 
lute rest. 

POLE EVIL. 

This term is applied to a large and very painful tu- 
mor, which is seldom developed under the influence 
of internal causes, mostly from the effect of external 
causes, immediately behind the ears, at the juncture 
of the head with the neck. It is always a serious dis- 
ease, as not only do the tumors very frequently degen- 
erate into ulcers, which are almost always of a bad 
character, but, also, because it often happens that the 
affection involves the muscles, ligaments, bones, &c, 
and thus destroys the animal. We should commence 
the treatment with several doses of aconitum, which 
will often suffice to remove the tumor, at least, when 
there is as yet but simple inflammation. Next come 
arnica, mercurius vivus, Pulsatilla, and sulphur. When 



96 RINGBONE SPAVIN. 

these means do not suffice, we should have recourse 
to those recommended under the article Abscess. If 
the disease has existed for any length of time, and sin- 
uses have formed, so that it is impossible for the mat- 
ter to gain an exit, but continues to destroy the living 
parts, we must freely use the scalpel, so as to form a 
dependent opening for the complete evacuation of the 
pus, without which medical means will avail but little. 

RINGBONE 

Is an ossific deposition seated on the coronet joint 
of the foot, sometimes on one side ; at others, com- 
pletely surrounding the joint, and which mostly causes 
serious lameness. Sometimes two feet, or even all the 
four, are simultaneously affected. The ordinary causes 
are a false step, a luxation, or a great straining of the 
articular ligaments. Many persons, however, con- 
sider it as an hereditary defect, connected with inter- 
nal causes. One of the principal remedies to be em- 
ployed is rhus toxicodendron, which frequently relieves 
the accompanying lameness. If after its use some 
swelling still remain, we should have recourse to ar- 
nica, calcarea, iodium, lycopodium, mercurius soluhilis, 
and silicea. Phosphorus has often proved efficacious. 

SPAVIN. 

Spavin consists in an inflammation of the ligamen- 
tous connexion of the head of the small metatarsal 
with the inner cuneiform bone of the hock, but its po- 
sition varies considerably ; it is followed by ossific de- 
position, and which interferes more or less with the 
movements of the hock ; the contiguous surfaces be- 
ing rough and inflamed, the articular cartilages being 
transformed into bone, &c, although all the horses 
affected with spavin are not lame, as it is very similar 
to a splint, when not affecting the motion of the horse. 
There appears to be in some breeds of horses a pre- 



SPAVIN. 97 

disposition to this affection, perhaps more from the 
peculiar construction of their hocks, as is the case with 
curbs. It may arise from strains, particularly in leap- 
ing, or from too much exertion being required of 
horses when young. It seldom appears before the 
third year, or after the eighth. The diagnosis is gen- 
erally easy. In order to decide whether a horse is 
affected with spavin, we must first examine whether 
there be an enlargement not perceptible on the other 
hock, on the inner and lower side of the joint. The 
sprain is sometimes, more especially at the commence- 
ment, so small, that we can succeed in distinguishing 
it only by comparing together the corresponding points 
of the two legs seen anteriorly and posteriorly ; but in 
time it increases in size, and sometimes attains the 
size of a hen's egg. When it is osseous to the feel, it 
constitutes bone spavin, properly* so called ; if it con- 
sist of a soft swelling produced by an effusion of serum 
into the joint, it is called false spavin, or commencing 
spavin. The lameness frequently disappears with 
work ; but if the animal is allowed to rest for a time, 
and then trotted again, the lameness becomes more 
perceptible. As an exception to all this, motion in- 
creases the lameness in some horses affected with 
spavin, whilst others are not lame, though they have 
very large spavins ; and others, again, are very lame, 
though scarcely any trace of the disease is perceivable 
in them. Besides, we know that the lameness referri- 
ble to spavin increases gradually in consequence of 
fatigue and work, which may be accounted for by the 
pains which the animal then feels. With regard to 
the remedies at the commencement, we should employ 
rhus internally and externally, also silicea, arsenicum, 
sulphur, phosphorus, baryta carbonica, spongia, iodium, 
&c, will be found efficacious. 



98 SPLINT SPRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 



SPLINT. 

This term is applied to an exostosis of greater or 
less size, which usually supervenes after a contusion ; 
they are situated, generally, on the inner small meta- 
carpal bones of the fore-legs, although it is frequently 
seen on the outside, and, at times, on the hind legs. 
After having existed for some time, they seldom occa- 
sion lameness, except they are so situated as*to inter- 
fere with the action of the ligament, tendons, or the 
knee joint, or when first forming. I have several 
times derived benefit in recent exostoses by means of 
arnica, internally and externally. If the tumor is of 
long standing, there will be some difficulty in making 
it disappear, and very often we do not succeed in so 
doing. Acidum phosphoricum, arnica, silicea, china, 
the latter externally, are also the remedies recom- 
mended for its treatment. Rhus toxicodendron, ruta 
graveolens, causticum and mercurius vivus are also of 
decided service. 

SPRAIN OF THE FETLOCK. 

A sprain of the fetlock joint is known by heat, 
swelling, and lameness more or less marked, more 
especially lameness on uneven ground. If the acci- 
dent is still recent, arnica should be used, both inter- 
nally and externally. When the pain is acute, good 
effects may be obtained from the use of rhus toxico- 
dendron and ruta, which are found to be very benefi- 
cial in luxation of the fetlock. When the injury is of 
long standing, sulphur may be interposed once among 
the remedies already mentioned. 

STRAIN OF THE LOINS. 

This affection depends often on a leap off a bank, 
down a descent, or a slip, or turning round quickly in 



STRAIN OF THE LOINS. 99 

the stall. If severe, it is difficult to cure. If it be 
but slight, the horse flexes, or lowers the quarters 
when walking, staggers when trotting, is startled when 
pulled up suddenly, and has some difficulty in moving 
backwards. If the affection be more severe, the ani- 
mal cannot move back, and can scarcely advance a 
few steps forwards ; he drags the hind legs, and the 
quarters tremble when he walks. "When the affection 
is still more severe, he is unable even to raise the hind 
legs, is constantly lying down ; when he wishes to 
stand up, he merely succeeds in placing himself on the 
hind part of his body, like a dog, and soon falls again , 
striking his head, haunches, and legs. There is heat 
and swelling, painful to the touch, which occupies the 
lumbar region ; there is, in general, sympathetic fever. 
If the affection has been produced by external violence, 
rhus toxicodendron taken internally, and Symphytum 
externally, is a useful remedy. If, on the contrary, it 
be of a rheumatic nature, it is treated with aconitum 
and bryonia, alternately ; more especially w T hen there 
is a hot, tense, and painful tumor. When it depends 
on an internal disease we must have recourse to sul- 
phur. If it be attributable to weakness of the loins, 
which renders the animal unable to gallop, ipecacu- 
anha, coccidus, and Pulsatilla are to be employed ; if 
the disease manifest itself towards the adult age, a?'- 
nica, nux vomica, and chiefly phosphorus, are indi- 
cated. This affection, when of very long standing, 
was cured by the continual use of the following reme- 
dies : arnica, three days ; petroleum, seven days ; olean- 
der, three days ; rhus, seven days ; sidphur, seven 
days ; cocculus, three days ; lachesis, seven days ; ipe- 
cacuanha, two days ; conium, seven days ; Pulsatilla, 
three days ; and silicea. I have cured this disease 
completely, in two different cases, with nux vomica 
and sidphur. 



100 STRAINING OF THE SHOULDER. 



INJURY OF THE SCAPULO-HUMERAL JOINT. 

This injury may take place from a horse running 
against different things, or from a fall ; it is known by 
the heat and swelling around, and by the peculiar way 
in which the horse limps ; and when, on standing 
erect, the animal does not rest on the affected limb ; 
when he carries it before him, or on one side ; when, 
in walking, he depresses the limb instead of raising it, 
so that he cannot get over a slight obstacle without 
striking it ; when he does not go backwards willingly ; 
and lastly, when the scapular region is hot and swollen. 
With respect to treatment, we must have regard to the 
occasional cause. If the affection has come on after a 
blow, arnica must be administered, which is also to be 
employed externally in fomentations. When there is 
inflammation, one or two doses of aconitum must be 
given previously ; Symphytum also deserves to be re- 
commended, as well internally as externally. If the 
affection arise from an exposure to cold, we should 
have recourse to ferrum muriaticum, or to rhus toxico- 
dendron, preceded by one or two doses of aconitum. 
Bryonia, also, deserves to be recommended, as well as 
causticum and zincum, combined with sulphur, which 
are used chiefly when the disease is of long standing, 
and has now put on a chronic character. In rheuma- 
tic affections, moderate exercise assists the cure ; but 
if the cause is different, the animal must be kept in a 
state of absolute rest, until he is perfectly well. 

STRAINING OF THE SHOULDER. 

This injury, although of an unfrequent occurrence, 
occasionally does happen ; the sudden shock a horse 
may receive, whilst galloping on the side of a hill, has 
occasioned it ; and by a false step in leaping ; or in 
any other way which causes the muscles of the shoul- 
der, when strained very much, to lose their contractile 



STRAINING OF THE TENDONS, 101 

power in a great degree, and from the pain the animal 
suffers, he is incapable of extending the shoulder, and, 
therefore, drags his toe on the ground, when attempt- 
ing to walk. 

In the beginning of the treatment, it is necessary to 
put on the foot of the injured shoulder, a shoe raised 
about four inches from the ground, which mechanical 
means will greatly assist the medical treatment. The 
plan I generally adopt is, to rivet together two shoes, 
with three rivets, the length required — one rivet in 
each side, and one at the toe — the under shoe to be 
smaller than the upper, so as to give the smith greater 
facility in tacking it on : it would be in the way of the 
shoeing hammer were it the same size as the shoe 
fitted to the foot. This shoe is also very useful for 
sprains of the flexor, or extensor tendons, &c, where 
you wish to raise or lower the toe or heel, which is 
easily done by making the pillars of iron, or rivets, 
longer or shorter, as required. The other treatment 
to be employed is, in the first case, to place the animal 
in a loose box, to foment the muscles of the shoulder 
with hot water, then to wash it with arnicated water, 
warm, and to give internally, arnica ; the diet to con- 
sist, of mashes and green food, or carrots ; this treat- 
ment is generally sufficient. Rhus, bryonia, and sul- 
phur, will also be found useful if feverish. 

STRAINING OF THE TENDONS. 

A strain of the flexor tendons, or of the sheath that 
envelopes them, is generally attended with excessive 
lameness, and inflammation of the parts ; we must as- 
sist the animal in resting the injured leg, as much as 
possible, by means of a high-heeled shoe, as before 
spoken of in the article " shoulder strain ; " give one 
or two doses of aconite, as there is generally constitu- 
tional irritation present ; we must then have recourse 
to rhus toxicodendron, internally and externally ; let a 
9* 



102 STRAIN OF THE HAUNCH. 

tea-spoonful of the mother tincture be put in a pint of 
water, a piece of lint saturated therein, and applied 
round the leg ; then let a linen bandage, dipped in 
cold water, be lightly rolled around the lint, to keep 
it in its place : absolute rest is indispensably neces- 
sary. 

Arnica and ruta are also of use if the part is bruised, 
or if the periosteum is injured, which is frequently the 
case in bruises of the anterior of the cannon bone from 
blows in leaping timber or walls, in which way I have 
seen the extensor tendon completely divided, and the 
horse become again as useful as before with but very 
slight permanent enlargement, which enlargement, af- 
ter divisions of tendons, had better not be interfered 
with. The general practice of stimulants more fre- 
quently enlarges than reduces the interstitial deposi- 
tion. Aconitum, rhus toxicodendron, silicea, arsen- 
icum and sulphur, when indicated, are useful in this 
injury. 

STRAIN OF THE HAUNCH. 

This affection is frequently the result of considera- 
ble straining of the ligaments of the coxo-femoral 
articulation, arising from a slip, violent effort in draw- 
ing, a contusion, or a false step ; but lameness often 
depends also on internal causes, as rheumatism, &c. 
The animal thus affected halts a little, spares the af- 
fected limb as much as possible, and can neither trot 
nor gallop. When the affection is but slight, the an- 
imal scarcely limps, particularly when stepping, and 
feels no pain excepting when his pace is accelerated ; 
in the opposite case, even standing is accompanied 
with an acute pain, the animal limps even when walk- 
ing, and drags his leg ; and when trotting, his but- 
tocks describe a sort of swinging movement. Nothing 
is more difficult than to detect this affection ; its pres- 
ence can only be admitted when an attentive examin- 



STINGS OF BEES. 103 

ation discovers no other lesion in the other parts of the 
limb, and when the horse does not readily allow his 
haunch to be examined. It differs from spavin in the 
fact that the lameness, instead of diminishing gradu- 
ally by walking, increases ; yet we have sometimes 
seen it, more especially in rheumatic cases, become 
less marked under the influence of moving. The 
treatment varies with the cause. If there has been a 
violent effort, straining, contusion, or any other external 
violence, arnica should be administered, and a strong 
tincture of it should be employed externally ; ledum 
also is almost specific in this case, and drosera may be 
recommended, especially when moving increases the 
lameness ; bryonia and colocynthis have succeeded 
under certain circumstances; if the external injury 
has involved the bones, we are to have recourse to 
Symphytum both externally and internally ; when the 
lameness is attributable to rheumatism, it should be 
treated with aconitum and arsenicum or nux vomica 
and mercurius. When it proceeds from making too 
violent efforts, it yields to rhus toxicodendron. 



STINGS OF BEES. 

The sting of a bee or of a wasp is a circumstance 
of no consequence. But when a multitude of these 
insects have fallen on a horse, the pain and inflammato- 
ry swelling may go on so as to occasion the animal's 
death. Arnica employed externally is an excellent 
remedy in injuries of this sort ; we might derive ad- 
vantage also from administering one or two doses of 
it internally. I have not yet had an opportunity of 
trying apisine which has been recommended by Lux. 
I have lately ascertained that the external employment 
of the strong tincture of urtica urens was a specific 
in such cases. 



104 SWELLING OF THE KNEE -— WOUNDS* 



SWELLING OF THE KNEE. 

We have more than once proved the efficacy of 
Pulsatilla in indolent swelling of the knee, and of 
china in that which is accompanied with pains ; if it 
be occasioned by a blow, contusion, or any lesion of 
the extensor tendon, so that the limb remains flexed, 
and the animal touches the ground merely with the 
toe, the joint being at the same time hot, swollen and 
painful, we shall find great benefit in ledum palustre, 
capsicum and arnica, both internally and externally. 
Arnica is chiefly indicated when the disease is not of 
long standing ; in the contrary case we employ silicea, 
lycopodium and sulphur. 

VARIX. 

Local dilatation of the saphena vein in the place 
where it passes over the inner surface of the hock 
joint. It is a soft, elastic tumor, often produced by 
violent efforts in drawing. Rhus toxicodendron is the 
best remedy : this is to be followed by ledum after a 
certain lapse of time. Phosphorus and acidum phos- 
phoricum have also been found effectual, although this 
disease, or bursal enlargements in general, seldom 
admit of cure. 

WOUNDS. 

All the superficial lesions made with sharp or bruis- 
ing bodies require the application of arnica water ex- 
ternally, which at times prevents either inflammation or 
suppuration intervening, and causes the wound to heal 
by resolution ; arnica should also be given internally 
in the majority of cases. We must have recourse to 
Symphytum when the bones have been affected, to 
conium when there has been a contusion, to rhus toxi- 
codendron when the lesion is accompanied by luxation 
or by a strain, but nevertheless not neglecting the use 



WOUNDS OF THE BARS — CONTUSED WOUNDS. 105 

of arnica externally. A profuse hemorrhage soon 
yields to pledgets of lint, or such like material soaked 
in millefolium, which are to be introduced into the 
wound. The debility occasioned by great loss of 
blood yields to a few doses of china, one of which is 
to be given every two or three hours. The traumatic 
fever always accompanying extensive wounds followed 
by intense inflammation, calls for the use of arnica, 
with which arsenicum should be alternated when the 
fever is high. If the wound suppurate, and the pus 
be of good quality, the intervention of art is whol- 
ly unnecessary; but when the pus has an ichorous 
character and a bad odor, mercurius vivus and asafce- 
tida are employed. When the pus is thick and of a 
bad color, silicea is required ; when proud flesh forms, 
chamomilla, sepia and arsenicum,is to be given. Aci- 
dum sulphuricum is useful when after a wound the 
skin forms adhesion to the bones. 

BARS, (WOUNDS OF THE). 

The pressure of the bit sometimes causes in the bars 
contusions, or even wounds, which may become so 
deep as to denude the bone, which soon becomes ca- 
rious if neglected. Arnica, both internally and ex- 
ternally, is the chief remedy to be employed. If the 
periosteum be attacked, we prescribe acidum phosphor- 
icum, ruta graveolens and conium, or, better still, 
Symphytum, 

CONTUSED WOUNDS. 

It frequently happens among cavalry horses that the 
horse of the second rank, injures with the toe of his 
fore-foot, the heel of the hind-foot of the horse imme- 
diately before him, and thus occasions a considerable 
contusion, or even a severe wound ; if the injury be 
recent, it yields readily to fomentations with water of 
arnica. When pus is formed between the skin and 



106 WOUNDS ON THE KNEE. 

hoof, the case is treated just like other abscesses, 
chiefly with squilla arid sulphur ; aconitum and squilla 
are indicated in case acute inflammation exists ; acidum, 
phosphoricum and arsenicum, when the pain is violent. 
Very frequently the hurt is a contusion, with, or 
without a wound, which the horse inflicts on himself 
in the region of the pastern or coronet with the shoe 
of another foot, or &which he receives from another 
horse walking beside him. It is of frequent occur- 
rence when frost-nails are placed on the shoes, the 
animal occasionally striking the frost-nails of the in- 
ner quarter of the shoe against the coronet of the op- 
posite foot, or higher up. Shoes armed with high 
and pointed frost-nails, like those employed in winter 
to facilitate walking on ice, are very likely to cause 
this accident. The soft parts, the lateral cartila- 
ges, the extensor tendon, the joint itself may have 
suffered, which is known by considerable swelling, 
with heat, pain and lameness. When successive lo- 
tions are employed with cold water and arnica, both 
internally and externally, the symptoms are quickly 
removed. But if the animal be neglected, abscesses, 
ulcers and fistulas may form, and complete deformity 
of the foot may be produced, even loss of the hoof. 
It then becomes a serious affection, of which lachesis 
is one of the best remedies, or else arsenicum, baryta 
carbonica and silicea. 

WOUNDS ON THE KNEE. 

In cases of slight wounds of the knee it is sufficient 
to wash the part several times a day with arnica 
water. If the injury is still more severe, we are to 
apply a bandage steeped in dilute arnica, and then 
to give arnica internally, or, when the knee is very 
much injured, Symphytum. When granulations rise 
over the surface of the wound, we are to give chamo- 
milla 9 sepia and arsenicum. If through neglect the 



WOUNDS OF THE NOSE AND TONGUE. 107 

wound pass into a state of abscess, it is to be treated 
as other abscesses. When the knee or any other 
joint is penetrated, the first thing to be done is to 
carefully cleanse it from dirt, then take a small bud- 
ding iron at a dull red heat and sear around the 
wound, taking care not to press it to the synovial 
membrane, then mix six spoonsful of wheat flour, one 
of charcoal, two of tincture of arnica and water suffi- 
cient to form a paste, spread it well over the wound, 
over which place a piece of lint ; then oiled silk, a 
sufficient quantity to keep it from the influence of the 
air, or to render it air tight ; then a linen bandage 
from four to six yards in length, dipped in hot water, 
and rolled around, the horse's head to be kept tied so 
that he can neither lie down or bite his knee when 
standing. After four or six days this may be taken 
off and dressed again in the same manner, and again 
using the budding iron should the synovia not be 
stopped ; if the synovia has ceased to flow, particular 
care being taken not to move the coagulum ; about 
this time sloughing will have commenced, then let ar- 
senicum, or lachesis, if better indicated, be given ; after 
which the remedies that are found most efficacious 
will be hepar sulphuris, sepia, silicea and sulphur. 

WOUNDS OF THE NOSE. 

As in all wounds, we employ arnica, and if there 
be lesions of the bones or periosteum, Symphytum, 
both internally and externally. 

"WOUNDS OF THE TONGUE. 

Arnica in this case displays specific properties. 
When the inflammation is already established, we must 
have recourse to aconitum and mercurius vivus. 



108 WOUNDS OF THE EYES ALBUGO. 



WOUNDS OF THE EYES. 

Lesions of the eyes by mechanical causes, such as 
blows, strokes with the whip, punctures, &c, are 
generally followed by inflammation of greater or less 
severity, which must be treated with some doses of 
aconitum, after which arnica, employed both internal- 
ly and externally, generally accomplishes the cure in 
a very little time. If some want of clearness re- 
main, we employ coninm, or, alternately, cannabis and 
belladonna. In one case arnica failed in the treatment 
of a wound made with a needle, which penetrated 
deep into the eye, but coninm effected a speedy cure. 
A colt, three years old, having received a severe 
blow on the eye, two doses of coninm sufficed to remove 
all trace of the disease in eleven days. In contusions 
of the cornea, which assume the form of a mere 
streak on this membrane, conium (the chief remedy), 
and euphrasia have succeeded many times ; but if the 
contusion is more severe, and blood infused into 
the aqueous humor, arnica is the most proper. 



SECTION III. 

DISEASES OF THE EYES BRAIN AND NERVES. 



ALBUGO. 



Traumatic inflammations of the eye often leave 
after them partial dimness of the cornea, with whitish 
spots of greater or less extent, which are not at first 
completely opaque, but which never fail to become 



AMAUROSIS, OR GUTTA SERENA. 109 

more and more so. In these cases, cannabis and co- 
nium produce in general good effects. If the spots 
have been occasioned by a wound, as the stroke of a 
whip, &c, cannabis and belladonna alternately, or 
conium, are the means to be employed. Sarsaparilla, 
followed by sulphur, has succeeded in a case where a 
red streak was observed on the cornea. Pulsatilla, 
sulphur, euphrasia, causticum, cannabis and lycopodium, 
employed in this order, are suitable in the case of 
spots of the cornea of long standing. In one case, 
cannabis and sulphur, used alternately, have succeed- 
ed with me. However the cure is effected very slow- 
ly in spots of the cornea. 

In the Zooiasis of Lux, Schmager states that he 
treated eleven cases of recent albugo successfully with 
cannabis and belladonna. He was less fortunate in 
chronic albugo ; these two then produced but little 
effect, the amendment manifested itself but very 
slowly, and did not go beyond a certain degree. Caus- 
ticum is an excellent remedy applied externally in the 
form of a lotion § in two tablespoonsful of water, and 
applied twice a day with a camel-hair brush or tip of 
a feather ; it should be also used internally at the same 
time, | once a day for three successive days. After 
awaiting the action of the medicine for four or five 
days, give a few doses of sulphur, § ; this I have found 
particularly efficacious. 

AMAUROSIS, OR GUTTA SERENA. 

Gtitta serena, a rather frequent consequence of oph- 
thalmia, almost always attacks the two eyes at once. 
It consists in paralysis of the optic nerves, and brings 
with it actual blindness. There is much more diffi- 
culty in recognizing it than cataract, because in gene- 
ral all parts of the eye remain clear and transparent : 
however, the pupils are very much dilated and circu- 
lar, whilst in the natural state they are of a moderate 
size and have an oblong form. Another mode, still 
10 



lit) 



APOPLEXY 



more certain, consists iii keeping the upper eyelid de- 
pressed for some minutes, then in opening it suddenly, 
the animal being placed in the lull daylight : if the 
pupil do not contract immediately from the effect of 
the Light, we can no longer doubt the presence o( gutta 
serena. No remedy is knownfor this disease when it 
has reached its highest degree : but when the animal 
still sees a little, we may improve his state by the fol- 
lo wing means: ammonium carbonicum, (duration of its 
action, eight days), causticum, (fifteen days), bcihidou- 
n«, (eight days), eupJirasia, (six doses, one every two 
days, which produces laehrymation), cannabis and 
sulphur* At the onset of the disease, pulsatiUa, nux 
vomica, cannabis, COnium and sulphur are excellent 



menus. 



APOPLEXY. 



Apoplexy is o( two kinds, the serous and sanguine- 
ous ; the latter is, however, of the most frequent oc- 
currence in the horse. One o( the principal causes 
is high feeding with insufficient exercise ; it may also 
be caused by the animal drawing a heavy load up an 
incline, although in this case there is, perhaps more 
frequently rupture of a blood-vessel and hemorrhage 
from one or both nostrils ; if the animal's stomach is 
overloaded with (oo<\, it is more likely to produce con- 
gestion oi blood on the brain. 

The horses most liable to apoplexy are those who 
have a short and thick neck, are o( a dull lazy habit, 
with a disposition to become fat, and when on days 
that are somewhat sultry they begin to sutler vertigo, 
A horse in this ease carries the head low, the breath- 
ing is laborious, the pupils are generally dilated : and 
the pulse nearly indistinct : there is a frequent tlow of 
saliva : he raises the fore-legs a little more than usual, 
stumbles as he walks along, chiefly on being turned, 
falls sometimes, comes again to himself after a tew 
moments. Usually these symptoms are renewed tre- 



CATARACT. Ill 

qnently, always becoming more severe, and at. length 
an attack of apoplexy declares itself, in which the ani- 
mal tails as it' struck with lightning, and after some 
tits of convulsion dies. As soon as the precursory 
symptoms are perceived, a few doses oi' aconitum are 
given, which has been found a sure means of prevent- 
ing a fatal termination, especially if the horse be fed 
moderately, employed properly and not worked too 
severely during hot weather. Arnica, belladonna, nux 
vomica, and laurocerasus may also be used in the pre- 
monitory symptoms with good effect, also mercurius 
and opium. 

LIPPITUBE — IVLEAREDNESS. 

Ledum and aurum are the principal remedies recom- 
mended in the treatment of this affection. Benefit has 
also been derived from mercurius ricus, or, when it 
did not produce the desired result, and particularly 
when the agglutination of the eye-lids, from staphy- 
SOgria. — Conium has also been employed with ad- 
vantage in the latter case, principally when at the same 
time the eye seemed covered with a white film. If 
inflammation exist, we should give eup/irasia, and if 
there be weeping from the eye, we are to have recourse 
to agwricus muscarius and psoricum. Hepar sulphuris, 
causHcum, lycopodium, si/icca, are recommended in the 
cure o( chronic lippitnde. Sepia has been useful when 
this disease has prevailed epizootieally. 

CATARACT. 

Cataract is frequently developed after a severe at- 
tack of periodical ophthalmia, more especially in young 
horses. The animal affected with it sees imperfectly, 
or, in the latter stages, docs not see at all. The com- 
mencement oi' cataract is chiefly discovered by this, 
that the horse commences to see no longer as well as 
formerly, which state becomes worse from day to day. 
In a little time, on examining the eye there is discov- 



112 CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. 

ered in the pupil a whitish, yellowish, or brownish 
body. The crystalline has now become visible be- 
cause it has lost its transparency. When the course 
traced out under the article ophthalmia shall have been 
followed, it seldom happens that we shall have an op- 
portunity of treating perfect cataract. "Besides the 
means pointed out under that article, the following de- 
serve notice ; pulsatilla, which is excellent against 
commencing cataract ; cannabis, a dose of which 
should be taken every eight days ; euphrasia, one dose 
every day ; causticum, and sulphur. This last remedy 
should be administered twice a week for a considerable 
time. We have succeeded once by means of antimo- 
nium lartaricum : also aurum, belladonna, conium, and 
phosphorus deserve particular attention. 

CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN 

Is the result of a blow, or fall, or other mechanical 
injury, frequently after which some vertiginous sensa- 
tions may occur, followed by an attack of phrenitis. 
At others, the animal may quite lose his senses from 
the first. The skull may be fractured from the horse 
falling backwards ; but it is an uncommon occurrence, 
nature having well defended those parts from injury, 
although it might rupture the blood vessels of the brain 
and cause immediate death. At times paralysis of the 
parts posterior to the injury occur ; the sensations re- 
maining perfect anterior to the injury. This is the 
case in severe fracture with pressure of the fractured 
parts on the medulla oblongata. If fractured so as to 
cause complete loss of sensation, we must make an 
incision and remove the fractured part of the bone, if 
it is pressing on the brain or the medulla oblongata, 
after which we should foment for a considerable time 
with hot water, in which some tincture of arnica has 
been mixed. We must also give arnica internally, § 
every hour for three or four hours in a little flour ; also 
aconite, belladonna, cicuta, petroleum, opium, mercurius^ 



ENCEPHALITIS. 113 

<5*c, will at times be found useful under their several 
indications. 

ENCEPHALITIS. 

Acute encephalitis is more frequently met with in 
entire horses. It attacks more especially those which 
are ardent, in high condition, very well fed, and but 
little worked, particularly when they happen to be 
chilled after being much heated, or when they are 
much fatigued in hot weather. The disease has been 
seen to come on after the long-continued action of the 
solar rays on the cranium, or in consequence of the 
animal being kept in a hot and ill-aired stable. The 
disease frequently occurs on the appearance of the 
last molar teeth, in the fifth year, or when the venereal 
appetite is not satisfied ; it may also succeed concus- 
sion of the brain, or result from hemorrhage, causing 
apoplexy. For some days the animal is dejected, 
and takes but little notice ; then, usually on the third 
day, his eyes become red, very bright, and prominent ; 
he throws furious looks around him, and becomes a 
prey to extreme agitation. From this moment it is 
dangerous to approach him without precaution. 
When the phrenitic state has duly manifested itself, he 
raises himself on his hind legs, strikes his fore feet 
against the manger and the rack, breathes with vio- 
lence, with his nostrils widely dilated, becomes cov- 
ered with a profuse sweat, breaks cords, halters, 
chains, everything, in fact, employed to tie him, runs 
on every side, throws himself on the ground, rises 
again without heeding any injuries that may befall him, 
and throws himself in a fury on everything he meets. 
He champs incessantly, but refuses to eat and even to 
drink. At length this paroxysm is succeeded by a 
period of remission, during which the animal contin- 
ues calm, his legs separated, his head resting on the 
manger, and projecting forwards from his chest. 
This moment must be seized for the purpose of mas- 
10* 



114 EPILEPSY. 

tering him and of administering to him the necessary 
aid ; for after several such attacks, he is almost always 
lost, or if life is spared, he continues very often inca- 
pable of moving. Acute encephalitis terminates gen- 
erally on the second day in an attack of apoplexy, if 
relief be not quickly afforded. The chief means to 
be employed are aconitum, which is promptly to be 
succeeded by belladonna, then at the end of an hour 
or two, by veratrum album. If necessary, these rem- 
edies are to be repeated once or twice at equal inter- 
vals. If the paroxysm is followed by a state of re- 
pose resembling death, we must have recourse to opi- 
um, more especially w^hen the tongue is black and the 
alvine dejections are scanty, of a deep brown color, 
or blackish. 

EPIjLEPSY. 

This disease, which is but rarely met with in the 
horse, manifests itself in the following manner. The 
animal begins to tremble, staggers, and is seized with 
convulsions, he falls suddenly to the ground ; there, 
insensible to the roughest treatment, he rolls and twists 
himself, grinds the teeth, whilst the neck becomes^ ri- 
gid. During the fit the muscles of the eye act irregu- 
larly, or are affected with spasms, so that the eye be- 
comes distorted, or constantly rolls, and the respira- 
tion is disturbed. The duration of each fit varies; it 
may last for several hours, or for so short a period, 
that at the end of from five to ten minutes, the animal, 
as if coming out of a dream, stands on his legs, com- 
mences to eat, and seems in the possession of perfect 
health, until the fit returns at the end of some weeks. 
By degrees the attacks become still more frequent. 
In the course of such an attack we should adminis- 
ter some doses of aconitum, then stramonium, and on 
the decline, belladonna. Hyoscyamus is suitable, 
more especially when there are at the same time vio- 
lent movements of the thighs. Cocculus and calcarea 



NERVOUS FEVER. 115 

carbonica are also deserving of consideration. In 
order to prevent a recurrence of the fits, camphor 
should be given several times a week. 

NERVOUS FEVER. 

This affection appears but very rarely, probably 
even never, as a nervous affection from the commence- 
ment ; it proceeds, in general, from inflammatory or 
catarrhal fever, is frequently associated with other fe- 
brile states, and occasionally degenerates into a true 
putrid fever ; so that whatever is to be said of the lat- 
ter, is equally applicable, in a great measure to it. 
Like putrid fever, it has for its characters, great de- 
pression, total prostration of strength, disposition to 
convulsions, frequent grinding of the teeth, and com- 
plete insensibility. The febrile paroxysms usually oc- 
cur in the evening. Frequently the disease reigns 
epizootically, and causes great havoc. The principal 
remedy to be employed is bryonia in doses repeated 
twice every day. Rhus toxicodendron, alternately 
with bryonia, was found very effectual in a case where 
there was short and frequent cough with tightness in 
the chest. Nux vomica, aconitum, and belladonna 
have also succeeded. In 1830 it broke out epizooti- 
cally in Upper Silesia. Those affected had a very 
dry cough, the respiration was difficult, the mucous 
membranes generally inflamed, a serous discharge 
from the nose, great depression, and but little appetite. 
First a dose of aconitum was given, then usually after 
the expiration of ten hours, capsicum. When the dis- 
ease had diminished considerably, at the end of two 
days, sulphur, spongia, and dulcamara were given, 
according to the symptoms ; the patients were cured 
in general on the sixth or seventh day. When there 
was gastric complication, loaded tongue, swelling of 
the abdomen, obstinate constipation, alvine evacua- 
tions unhealthy, and much thirst, the treatment was 
commenced with nux vomica, which was repeated fre- 



116 NERVOUS FEVER. 

quently two or three times in the space of two days, 
after which, a dose of crude antimony in general suf- 
ficed to effect the cure. In some of the affected in- 
dividuals there was a sort of vertiginous stupor j in- 
sensible to the impressions from without ; they re- 
mained with the head hanging down or resting on 
some place, without paying any attention when called, 
as if asleep, and it was not without difficulty they 
could be drawn from their stupor, or the inconven- 
ient position which they assumed ; in those cases bel- 
ladonna was given, frequently repeated two or three 
times, and stramonium if the somnolence did not give 
way. In general, they were convalescent at the end 
of from six to ten days. Those more dangerously 
affected were the horses which scarcely ever remained 
at rest, with small hard pulse, violent movements of 
the abdominal muscles, nostrils very much dilated, 
profuse yellowish, thick discharge from the nose, pul- 
sations of the heart unequal, and the color of the skin 
very changeable. A dose of aconitum was given to 
them at first, then veratrum, cuprum, and in some 
cases camphor a ; in them it was of great importance 
to establish the functions of the skin and abdominal 
organs. Only two patients died, but they had been 
neglected, and the treatment too long deferred. The 
following means were found equally useful in this 
disease : acidum muriaticum, in cases of great debility, 
with groaning and dryness of the mouth ; arnica, 
when the animal remains quiet, without consciousness, 
and with retention of urine ; arsenicum in watery 
diarrhoea ; china, argilla, and sulphur, when the food 
comes away undigested ; hyoscyamus and belladonna, 
in cases where there exist great disturbance and a 
wild look ; opium, when the animal is stretched out as 
if dead, with small and intermittent pulse, hard fasces, 
or absolute constipation ; stramonium, when there 
are partial convulsions ; veratrum, in diarrhoea, as also 
in constipation, with cold extremities. 



FUNGUS ILEMATODES - — LACHRYMATION. 117 



FUNGUS H^MATODES. 

This is a fungoid tumor growing from the orbit of 
the eye, which is of a medullary nature, although in 
horses it is a rare disease. There have been instan- 
ces in human surgery of its commencing on almost 
every texture or surface. This disease is considered 
constitutional, hence the little success that has attend- 
ed operations. The medicines that have been em- 
ployed against this affection, are belladonna, calcarea 9 
lycopodium, sepia, and silicea. 

INVOLUNTARY CLOSING OF THE EYE-LIDS. 

Hyoscyamus is the remedy to be employed in the 
spasmodic closing of the eye-lids, which is observed 
sometimes in cases of periodical ophthalmia ; it is fre- 
quently met with, however, as an isolated symptom* 
Chammomilla has been useful in a case where hyoscy- 
amus had produced no effect. 

LACHRYMATION, OR WEEPING. 

It is frequently caused by obstruction of the lachry- 
mal duct, which will require an operation at times to 
remove it, and also the injection of tepid water 
through the canal. Ledum and Pulsatilla are the means 
which have produced, the best effects in this disease^ 
which often becomes extremely disagreeable. In one 
case, in which the acridity of the tears caused the hair 
to fall off, great success has been obtained from some 
doses of acidum phosphoricum with sulphur, as con- 
secutive treatment. Nux vomica has been found no 
less useful under circumstances where the weeping 
was accompanied with great sensibility to light, a lit- 
tle redness of the conjunctiva, and a collection of pus 
in the corner of the eye. Cantharis, causticum and 
euphrasia, medicines so valuable in affections of the 
eyes of every kind should not be neglected here ; but 



118 



OPHTHALMIA. 



those already mentioned suffice in most cases. Pso- 
ricum is useful, particularly when there is at the same 
time tumefaction of the eyelids. Agaricus muscarius 
has succeeded with wonderful readiness in a case 
where other means had produced no effect. The 
weeping is often an accessory symptom of a general 
disease of the eye, particularly of ophthalmia. 

OPHTHALMIA. 

Two species of inflammations of the eye are distin- 
guished, the acute and the periodical. The latter 
affection is commonly called moon-blindness, because 
formerly, it was supposed that it owed its origin to the 
influence of the moon on the eyes. 

1. Acute ophthalmia, like all acute diseases in gen- 
eral, is particularly occasioned by the noxious influen- 
ces to which the animal may have been accidentally 
exposed, as heat followed by cold, too strong an im- 
pression of light, stable badly aired and full of acrid 
exhalations, &c. It sometimes accompanies a general 
morbid state, or it may be the consequence of bad 
quality of food. When the inflammation is not car- 
ried to an extreme degree, the eye communicates to 
the hand, when applied over it, a sensation of heat, 
the conjunctiva is more or less red, and the organ is 
sensible to the impression of light, which makes the 
animal keep his eyelids shut entirely, or in part. If 
force be used to separate them, they are found to be 
swollen, red on their inner surface, and the globe of 
the eye is observed to float in tears. When the in- 
flammation is more severe, the eye at first appears dry 
and hot, but by degrees it becomes covered with a 
purulent mucus, with which the lids also are glued to- 
gether ; at length, scalding tears, mixed with an acr 
mucus, are discharged ; at the same time the transpa- 
rent cornea is generally turbid and whitish, and the 
eye projects more or less out of its orbit. 

Treatment. — ■ First we give a dose of aconitum every 



OPHTHALMIA. 119 

two or three hours. When once the inflammation has 
diminished perceptibly, which happens in general after 
the second day, if there still remain any lachrymation, 
any aversion to light, and a slight dimness of sight, we 
are to give belladonna. Finally, if after the latter 
medicine has been employed for some days consecu- 
tively, at a single dose each day, the cornea has not 
yet recovered its healthy transparency, cannabis and 
euphrasia remove the last remains of the disease. 
Spigelia is suitable whenever the eyelids are simulta- 
neously inflamed, and conium in those cases where the 
cornea seems as it were clouded. If the inflammation 
has been occasioned by any mechanical cause, blows, 
shocks, &c, we should commence with some doses of 
aconitum, then we employ externally, as a collyrinm, 
the tincture of arnica diluted with water. If, after the 
employment of these means, there still remain a slight 
turbidness in the place where the blow immediately 
fell, conium is to be given, and if this remedy fails, 
cannabis and belladonna^ alternated daily. 

Cases by Schmager, taken from the Zooiasis of Lux. 
— A horse was affected with ophthalmia of both eyes, 
more severe on the left ; the eye projecting very much 
out of the orbit, eyelids very much swollen and closed, 
intolerance of light, profuse lachrymation, cornea 
whitish and turbid. There was no mechanical lesion. 
I administered aconitum (eight drops, of the fifteenth 
dynamization), which I repeated every two hours for 
two days. The inflammatory state ceased ; there only 
remained the intolerance of light, the lachrymation, 
and slight turbidness of the cornea. Belladonna di- 
minished these symptoms very much ; they entirely 
disappeared after some days. The cornea had not yet 
recovered all its transparency. Cannabis [eight drops 
of the fifteenth dynamization] restored it in a few days 
to its healthy state. I treated in this same way, and 
with equal success, forty cases of ophthalmia. 

In the ophthalmia occasioned by a mechanical cause. 



120 OPHTHALMIA. 

and of which I treated ten cases, I first prescribed 
aconitum as above, then arnica, in the dose of eight 
drops of the fifteenth dynamization. I also employed 
as a collyrium thirty drops of tincture of arnica, in a 
pint of water. Sometimes there remained in the place 
where the blow had been inflicted, a slight turbidness, 
which I treated with cannabis and belladonna, alter- 
nately, both in the dose of eight drops of the fifteenth 
dynamization. 

2. Periodical ophthalmia breaks out usually on the 
coming out of the middle incisors, the posterior molars, 
and the tusks, consequently at the age of from three to 
five years ; and when once the predisposition exists, 
it returns of itself, without any external cause, at 
periods more or less near to each other. Ordinarily it 
attacks but one eye ; but the tumefaction of the lids, 
the aversion to light, and the lachrymation, are in 
general greater than in acute ophthalmia. It is also 
a rather constant symptom of periodical ophthalmia, 
that when the lids are separated, a greenish-yellow 
matter is seen to float at the bottom of the anterior 
chamber, which moves every time the animal shakes 
his head. The eye seems dull, and sinks by degrees, 
as if it became smaller ; the cornea is of a milk-white 
color, or leaden, or bluish, and behind the pupil, 
which is much dilated, there is perceived a whitish 
body, when the disease has attained a high degree of 
development. This is the crystalline lens now be- 
come opaque. It is the commencement of cataract, 
the ordinary termination of the disease, when it shows 
itself for the first time after the sixth or seventh year, 
and especially when it has been treated allopathically, 
with purgatives, derivatives, sedatives, &c. The 
treatment of periodical ophthalmia is, in general, more 
difficult than that of acute ophthalmia, but it is not less 
certain, if called in at the first commencement of the 
disease, and before any alterations of structure has 
taken place. Euphrasia is the chief remedy, which 



SWELLING OF THE EYES PARALYSIS. 121 

often effects a complete cure in the space of from 
eight to fifteen days. Hahnemann cured a horse of 
periodical ophthalmia with natrum muriaticum ; others 
have obtained excellent results from antimonium cru- 
dum and Pulsatilla. Hitherto I have had no opportu- 
nity of trying these remedies, nor of seeing them used. 
Cannabis and Pulsatilla have been found useful in the 
treatment of commencing cataract. Euphrasia, both 
internally and externally, and causticum are no less 
important in this case. It is advisable, even after the 
cure, to give a dose of sulphur for some time every 
week. Hepar sulphuris has been found very effectual, 
in young horses, when with the inflammatory swelling 
there was mucous discharge. Calcarea carbonica and 
lycopodium are equally valuable remedies. 

SWELLING OF THE EYES. 

Prominence or projection of the eyes out of their 
orbits is a common consequence or accompaniment of 
ophthalmia. I have found stramonium useful in a case 
where there was a sort of periodical swelling of the 
eye-lids ; I first prescribed a dose of sulphur. Igna- 
tia and chamomilla are recommended in the treatment 
of swelling of the eyelids ; the former in that of the 
upper lid, the second in that of the lower. Sepia and 
sulphur have also been found effectual in a great 
many cases. If there be lachrymation at the same 
time, euphrasia may be employed with advantage. 

PARALYSIS. 

Paralysis, owing to the derangement or abolition of 
the influence which the nerves exercise over the mus- 
cles, may depend on mechanical injuries, on severe 
cold, or on internal causes. The principal means re- 
quired are : aconitum, arsenicum, arnica, belladonna, 
bryonia, cocculus, calcarea carbonica, causticum, dulca- 
mara, rhus toxicodendron, ruta and sulphur. 
11 



122 PARALYSIS. 

Case from the Zooiasis of Lux. — A horse which 
had been hitherto in good health, fell suddenly to the 
ground during the night. He was four years old. It 
was necessary to place him on a sledge in order to 
remove him from the stable, which was very small, in- 
to the barn. Stretched on the left side, he was una- 
ble to raise the head ; the entire right side was para- 
lyzed ; the ear of this side hung immovable ; the right 
pupil was also immovable, and larger than the left ; 
the pulse a little more frequent than in the state of 
health ; one half of the body cold, the other moder- 
ately warm, with dryness of the skin ; the animal 
could neither eat nor drink. He was made to take a 
dose of nux, which produced no improvement ; then, 
after twelve hours, rhas toxicodendron, which was 
also ineffectual ; finally helleborus, (ten drops of the 
second dynamization). After two hours, the animal 
began to raise his head, sweat appeared on some parts 
of his body, and after five hours, he had an evacua- 
tion from the bowels. I had him well whisped and 
rubbed, which brought back the heat into the par- 
alyzed side ; he wished to take food, but his jaws 
could not separate from each other. On the next day, 
no change, except that the heat was diffused almost 
equally over the entire body. Helleborus was repeat- 
ed, which brought on general perspiration, and the 
restoration of all the secretions. Every part recov- 
ered its mobility, and the animal tried to rise, but the 
legs of the affected side did not yet allow him. On 
the following day the improvement had made little 
progress : the animal had only a little more facility in 
eating and drinking. A new dose of helleborus, 
which produced no effect. Recourse was had to 
petroleum, which occasioned a profuse discharge of 
urine ; the animal rose for the first time ; it was the 
seventh day from the commencement of the attack ; 
he did not walk as yet, for he so staggered that he 
could not have avoided falling. Three days after, he 



PTERYGIUM SYNCOPE. 123 

was able to walk for whole hours. At the end of 
four days, a dose of toxicodendron, because some 
small tumors appeared here and there. Dating from 
this period, these disappeared, the legs gradually lost 
their stiffness, and on the twelfth day the animal was 
again put to work. 

PTERYGIUM. 

Pterygium is hypertrophy of the cellular tissue 
which unites the conjunctiva to the globe of the eye. 
It generally extends from the inner angle of the eye 
towards the transparent cornea. This disease is seen 
rather frequently, especially among cavalry horses, 
which are frequently exposed to receive clouds of dust 
driven along by the wind, or to make long journeys 
under a burning sun. Still, cases do sometimes occur 
where it comes on without our being able to assign 
any determinate cause, or in consequence of some in- 
ternal chronic disease. Conium is the principal reme- 
dy. Cannabis also may be employed Avith advantage, 
as also euphrasia and causticum. Some doses of sul- 
phur are also suitable by way of consecutive treatment. 
The means generally employed for pterygium have 
frequently the effect of destroying it ; but usually they 
only alter the part, so as to render the treatment more 
mischievous than the disease itself. A method still 
more absurd, is that which consists in excising a por- 
tion of the haw, which occasions very acute pain to 
the animal, and destroys for ever an important part of 
the eye. We might possibly prevent the occurrence 
of the disease by washing the eyes with cold water 
after long journeys on dusty roads, taking care, how- 
ever, to have recourse to this expedient only when the 
horses were somewhat cooled. 

SYNCOPE. 

After profuse nasal hemorrhages, after a wound 
which has occasioned heavy loss of blood, incom- 



124 TETANUS. 

plete syncope sometimes supervenes ; the horse, being 
very feeble, totters and trembles ; he is covered with 
a cold sweat, and sinks down sometimes ; but when 
stretched on the ground, he still moves his limbs, and 
soon revives. A dose of china here produces the best 
effects. "When the same phenomenon comes on after 
excessive labor, which has been carried beyond the 
animal's strength, and he has received little or no 
nourishment, Pulsatilla is effectual. However there 
are cases wherein complete syncope is observed in the 
horse, which after having tottered a little, falls to the 
ground deprived of consciousness as it were dead, re- 
maining stretched without moving, without convul- 
sions, with cold ears and feet. Under such circum- 
stances sepia has been several times of great benefit. 
When on falling the horse becomes convulsed, this is 
an attack of epilepsy. — See the article Epilepsy. 

TETANUS. 

Tetanus is an extremely dangerous disease, observed 
more particularly in horses than in other domestic an- 
imals. It consists in a peculiar spasm of the muscles 
of the jaws, and often too of the entire body. The 
jaws are so completely closed, that one might break 
them rather than separate them one from the other. 
At the onset of the disease, which always commences 
with slight symptoms of colic and constipation, with 
moving of the tail, the animal feels some difficulty 
in opening the mouth ; by degrees the ears become 
rigid, the eyes are widely opened and distorted, the 
neck is rigid and immovable ; spasm soon seizes the 
entire body ; the animal becomes rigid in every part ; 
the muscles are hard, the respiration is hurried and 
loud, and the animal's body is covered with a cold 
sweat ; his body, in fact, seems as if he was a wood- 
en horse. No power can then succeed in opening the 
mouth ; the nose forms a hard cone ; the horse, al- 
most incapable of making the least movement, re- 



TETANUS. 125 

mains standing, his legs very much separated, and at 
length dies between the eighth and tenth day. But the 
disease does not always commence with trismus of the 
jaws ; it often begins with spasm of the muscles of 
the posterior region, which extends gradually to the 
anterior parts of the body, and which attains its ex- 
treme degree when the jaws are closed. The first 
case happens when during moist and cloudy weather, 
the animal has been wounded in a very sensitive part, 
more especially in the joints and in the foot. The 
second is observed, when the horse, otherwise predis- 
posed, has been subjected to great cold after being 
very much heated. But there is no doubt that many 
other causes also contribute to produce this disease, 
which, for the most part, attacks well-bred horses, and 
which in general is not recognized, except when it has 
already made considerable progress. The efforts of 
allopathy have hitherto had but little success. Homoe- 
opathy has been more fortunate. Nux vomica has 
proved very efficacious. It is administered in repeat- 
ed doses, at first several times a day, then every two 
or three days. If any rigidity remain in the limbs, 
arsenicum is prescribed, after which it is right almost 
always to recur to nux vomica. In some cases where 
the animal had not recovered appetite, benefit has been 
obtained from ipecacuanha. Belladonna, mercurius 
vivus, and veratrum have also been useful. 

Case by Genzke, extracted from the Zooiasis of Lux. 
— After running, a horse became so stiff during the 
night, that he could scarcely move a single step. On 
examining him I found him affected with tetanus ; his 
neck was tense, and the legs, more especially the hind 
legs, very much separated ; the back, on the middle 
of which a circumscribed, painful tumor was observed, 
formed a straight line : the tail hung a little to the 
right. The muscular parts, affected with tetanic con- 
traction, were rigid and very hard to the touch, more 
especially those of the back, thighs and flanks, less so, 
11* 



126 TETANUS. 

however,- than those of the legs and neck. If the an* 
imal was obliged to move, he did so with extraordina- 
ry rigidity, and if an attempt was made to trot him, 
perspiration soon manifested itself, with hurried res- 
piration. At the same time there was redness of the 
nasal mucous membrane and of the conjunctiva ; 
pulse a little full, but not very frequent ; respiration 
painful and hurried with dilation of the nostrils; skin 
tense and dry ; the animal rarely evacuated ; the evac- 
uations were small and dry. A favorable circum- 
stance was that there was not yet a trismus of the 
jaws, or at least that it was not much marked, for the 
animal was still able to chew his hay without difficulty 
when cut, and to swallow it readily ; he also retained 
a moderate appetite ; he had run the day before in 
the midst of heavy rain, with a north-east wind. 

As belladonna was often found a specific in similar 
spasmodic diseases in the human subject, I adminis- 
tered to the animal four drops of the twelfth dilution 
with sugar of milk. On the following day I observed 
no change in the morbid phenomena, and I gave a 
new dose of the sixth dilution. But no effect being even 
yet produced, I ascertained that a general tetanic state, 
in which the animal retains his consciousness and the 
use of all his senses, must be very uncommon in the 
human subject, and belladonna has proved effectual 
only in the case where the tetanus was accompanied 
with a total loss of consciousness. Nux vomica pre- 
sented, on the contrary, the closest resemblance to the 
case in question, with respect to the tetanic spasms, at 
least if we may judge from different experiments made 
on animals ; and, further, it corresponded still more 
with the other phenomena. I then gave five drops of 
it of the third dilution. On the afternoon of the same 
day, I observed short contractions in the flanks, simi- 
lar to those which might be produced -by galvanic 
shocks, a circumstance which appeared to me a good 
omen, by inducing me to hope a favorable reaction of 



VERTIGO. 127 

the vital force. Towards evening a mild and uniform 
perspiration took place over the entire body ; it lasted 
however but a short time, and the animal became dry, 
whilst being rubbed. On the following day, the gen- 
eral state seemed improved ; the respiration was not 
accompanied w T ith such violent efforts ; the muscles of 
the flanks and back were no longer so rigid, but the 
voluntary motion of the thighs was not yet effected 
without considerable difficulty ; there had been a co- 
pious discharge of urine, of a pulverulent appearance, 
and frequent alvine evacuations. The same dose re- 
peated. Two days after, considerable diminution 
of all the symptoms ; relaxation of all the muscles 
which had been affected with spasm ; the animal feels 
more facility in turning the neck and moving the legs, 
which now diverge less during standing ; breathing al- 
most natural ; pulse full and regular ; not more than 
forty-five per minute ; appetite good. From this 
time up to three days after, during which period two 
doses more of nux vomica were administered, the im- 
provement progressed with incredible rapidity, without 
the least relapse, so that at the end of six days the an- 
imal was perfectly cured. 

VERTIGO. 

By vertigo is meant a chronic disease of the horse, 
chiefly indicated by a disturbance of the sensitive fac- 
ulties, occasioning derangement in the ordinary func- 
tions of life. Much that is incorrect has been written 
regarding the seat, properly so called, of the evil; at 
the present time most veterinary surgeons are agreed 
in seeking the proximate cause, not as formerly, in the 
brain, but in the abdominal organs, and in considering 
the cerebral affection as purely secondary. The ver- 
tigo often succeeds acute encephalitis, the intensity of 
which has diminished to a certain degree ; but very 
frequently also it comes on without having been pre- 



128 VERTIGO. 

ceded by inflammation of the brain. It recognizes the 
same causes as the latter, insolation, confinement in 
hot and badly aired stables, cold, extreme fatigue, 
blows and injuries on the head, indigestion, unwhole- 
some or too much food in proportion to the exercise 
taken. The fear of punishment, especially of the 
whip, occasionally gives rise to it in sensitive and irrita- 
ble animals. Some horses have a hereditary predis- 
position to it, and mares are considered more subject 
to it than stallions. Further, it is scarcely ever ob- 
served except in hot weather, and as it is generally at 
the beginning of summer that it commences to appear, 
it goes away always in autumn, at least with respect 
to its chief symptoms. These are the following : the 
horse, a little before lively and active, begins all of a 
sudden to appear heavy and indolent ; he is dejected, 
and prefers to keep himself in the darkest corner of 
the stable, eyes dull, look fixed and stupid, eyelids half 
shut, inattention to everything, forgetting even him- 
self, and, as it were, asleep, the head hanging to the 
ground, and resting on the manger, or on the rack. 
His gait is heavy, slow, and unsteady : he raises the 
feet very high, and puts the entire sole to the ground, 
raising and letting down the limbs in a manner purely 
mechanical, and, as it were, unconsciously. He ex- 
hibits much awkwardness in turning, and cannot be 
pulled back except by depressing the head very much, 
and pushing it laterally. Generally, also, he leans on 
one side in walking. To maintain his equilibrium the 
better, he places the fore legs beneath the belly, and 
moves his ears in a peculiar manner, and backwards. 
According as the disease progresses, he becomes less 
and less sensible to external impressions. Mastication 
is performed slowly ; he takes from time to time a 
mouthful of food, masticates it, swallows a portion of 
it, but keeps the remainder in his mouth. He prefers 
taking his food off the ground rather than in any other 
way, and when drinking, he plunges his head into the 



VERTIGO. 129 

water, even above his nostrils. Daring and after some 
rather violent movements, his state becomes much 
aggravated, and the signs of complete insensibility be- 
come more and more marked. The animal runs on 
quite blind till some obstacle stops him, or turns round, 
or remains tranquil, with his head depressed, and the 
legs crowded beneath the body, without being able to 
change this unusual attitude unless assisted to do so. 
There is never any fever : the pulse is often from ten 
to twelve pulsations slower than in the normal state. 
In the same way, also, the respiration is constantly 
slow, deep, and frequently of a sighing character. In 
almost all cases, the tongue is foul, and the mouth dry 
and clammy. With respect to treatment, the reme- 
dies which have succeeded best with me are : chamo- 
milla (some doses), then sulphur, and nux vomica. In 
a particular case where, independently of the symp- 
toms peculiar to vertigo, the conjunctiva, tongue and 
mouth were more yellow, the horse frequently flexed 
his fore-legs, seldom laid down, feces hard, and 
passed but little urine, I obtained benefit from the use 
of nux vomica, with sulphur as consecutive treatment. 
Others used Pulsatilla in general : however, they also 
obtained good effects . from veralrum album in many 
cases : nux vomica was employed when the horse in- 
clined to the left, and arnica when he leaned to the 
right. Several horses have been cured by means of 
belladonna, and one which was considered as lost was 
saved by giving him belladonna, hyoscyamus and nux 
vomica. The utility of digitalis and opium has been 
verified in slight cases of vertigo, in which cases bene- 
fit has been derived from arnica. On one occasion 
veratrum album was prescribed during four days twice 
a day, and then stramonium, employed in the same 
manner ; on the fifth day the animal was cured. It is 
always advisable to have recourse to sulphur as con- 
secutive treatment. 



130 ANGINA TRACHEALIS. 

SECTION IV. 

DISEASES OF THE HEART AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS, &C. 



ANGINA TRACHEALIS. 

Angina is a disease common, and at times dangerous 
to horses. It often kills by suffocation ; in many 
cases also it degenerates into bronchitis or pneumonia, 
unless timely assistance is rendered. It is recognized 
by difficulty of respiration, which is loud, and occa- 
sionally heard at a distance ; the animal frequently 
lets the head droop, stretching the neck, and evincing 
considerable uneasiness and pain when the larynx is 
pressed ; the mucous membranes of the mouth and 
nose are intensely red ; the nose is dry, and the mouth 
full of frothy saliva ; the animal is, in severe cases, 
unable to swallow the food, even when soft, and the 
drink partly escapes through the nose. At the same 
time he is feverish, and the affection is almost always 
accompanied by a short dry cough, the tongue and 
breath are hot, and the eyes project more or less. 
Often also there is observed swelling of the tongue, 
and external tumefaction of the throat. Of this dis- 
ease, to which horses are more subject in the autumnal 
months, the ordinary cause is the variation of tempera- 
ture. In general it yields to one or two doses of 
aconitum, followed by lachesis, and when this medicine 
does not dispel all the symptoms, spongia marina tosta 
should be employed. If these means do not suffice, 
we should have recourse to hepar sulphuris, bella- 
donna, phosphorus, mercurius and sulphur. Mercurius 
is also indicated especially if the glands of the neck 
are much swollen, with difficulty in opening the 
mouth ; and a constant flow of saliva. 



ACUTE BRONCHITIS. 131 



BEATINGS OF THE HEART. 

This affection yields to bryonia. Lycopodium also 
may be employed, when it occurs during a state of 
rest, and graphitis when it comes on during motion. 
Aurum deserves particular recommendation. Aconi- 
tum also is a specific in many cases. 

ACUTE BRONCHITIS. 

Bronchitis frequently supervenes from the same 
causes that induce catarrh ; at times, it comes on after 
wet and cold, or standing in draughts, and in many 
horses there appears to be a predisposition of the bron- 
chial tubes to inflammatory action. In some epidemics 
the membrane lining the bronchial tubes is primarily, 
in others secondarily affected. The disease often fol- 
lows severe cases of strangles. The symptoms differ 
very much in intensity in different subjects. There is 
generally a dull, heavy, and painful expression of coun- 
tenance ; partial loss of appetite ; a cough, at times dry, 
but in the progress of the disease, especially when the 
animal is recovering, it becomes loose and rattling. The 
pulse is quick and soft. The character of the mucus 
differs also very much during the progress of the disease, 
both in color and consistence ; if not checked, it often 
assumes a chronic form, and is then difficult to treat 
with success, and frequently induces thick wind and 
roaring. The medicines to be employed will, in a great 
measure, be regulated by the different stages of the dis- 
ease ; amongst the most useful, we shall find bryonia 
alba, aconite, belladonna, phosphorus, mercurius, canna- 
bis, spongia, &c. If the inflammation is high, we 
should commence the treatment by giving aconite, par- 
ticularly when the pulse is high, and the skin hot and 
dry. Belladonna, when there is rattling of mucus, 
distressing cough, and oppression of the chest. Bry- 
onia, with dryness of the mouth and difficult respira- 



132 ACUTE BRONCHITIS BROKEN WIND. 

tion ; this remedy is more called for when it is apt to 
degenerate into pleurisy. Phosphorus is particularly 
indicated when there is reason to apprehend extension 
of the disease to the substance of the lungs. Mercu- 
rius, when the symptoms resemble catarrh, with swell- 
ing of the glands and an increase of saliva. Sponiga, 
when the affection threatens to become chronic, when 
the breathing is very difficult ; tarlarus emeticus may 
be given, and if the secretion is abundant, sepia will be 
found useful ; also arsenicum is a valuable remedy 
when the disease assumes an epidemic form. It is 
also useful to administer a few doses of sulphur when 
the animal is to all appearance recovered. If the 
affection has been allowed to become chronic, the 
remedies most useful will be found to be spongia, sul- 
phur, calcarea, carbonica, phosphorus, causticum, silicea, 
arsenicum, conium, stannum, <fec. 

BROKEN WIND. 

The cause of broken wind is supposed to be inter- 
lobular emphysema. It sometimes affects horses that 
have had a severe cough existing for a long time, the 
cause of which was bronchitis ; it has also succeeded a 
case of the former disease combined with pleurisy, and 
at times it succeeds roaring. Broken wind is not so 
much an essential disease as the consequence of some 
latent affection of the lungs, which depends either on 
organic lesions of the respiratory apparatus, or more 
especially after bronchitis or pleurisy badly treated, 
and emphysema, or dilatations of the air-cells of the 
lungs is produced. A broken-winded horse, even 
during rest, has his breathing more accelerated than the 
healthy horse, and it is accompanied with a visible jerk- 
ing respiration and frequent weak cough ; but this state 
becomes much more perceptible when the animal has 
been in motion, even for a very few minutes. In trot- 
ting more especially, the broken-winded horse exhibits 



BROKEN WIND CATARRH. 133 

an accelerated and laborious breathing, his flanks beat 
violently, and the nostrils act with great rapidity. 
However short his movements may be continued, the 
respiration becomes loud, sibilous and stertorous ; the 
animal loses breath, he is threatened with suffocation, 
particularly if he ascend a hill or draw a heavy burden, 
and it is not till after a considerable time he again 
becomes tranquil. He does not lie down willingly, 
and often stops, when drinking, to recover breath. In 
general his appetite is not deficient ; still, after having 
eaten much, especially of hay, he is generally worse. 
For the most part he is meagre, and his hair is of a 
dull color, and erect. The disease increases under 
the influence of foggy weather and an abundance of 
food, consisting of hay and oats ; fine weather and 
green fodder diminish it. Persons have succeeded in 
rendering it less perceptible by three doses of bryonia 
and one of squilla ; after which, one dose of calcarea 
should be given. Arsenicum, and better still, nilrum, 
are in such cases capital remedies ; the second is suit- 
able more especially when undoubted traces of pulmo- 
nary tubercles are observed. In one case an attack of 
pneumonia came on, which yielded readily to some 
doses of aconitum, followed by a dose of bryonia, 
Aconitum and bryonia then deserve to be ranked 
among the remedies that may be tried for broken 
wind. I have employed Pulsatilla in one case, and 
hyoscyamus in another. Digitalis purpurea, belladonna, 
tartarus emeticus, veratrum album deserve a trial. 

CATARRH. 

This disease of the horse, which at times is produced 
by the suppression of perspiration caused by a draught 
of air, or standing a long time in the cold after having 
been ridden or driven fast, it often depends also on 
internal causes, and which is not wholly free from 
danger when it has attained a certain stage, consisting 
12 



134 CATARRH COUGH. 

in catarrhal fever, and which differs from strangles, 
with which it is frequently confounded, in its less du- 
ration, as well as in the absence of some symptoms 
which appertain exclusively to the latter. In its sim- 
plest form, the affection renders the horse slow and 
indolent; he snorts frequently; there runs from his 
nose a watery colorless fluid, which gradually becomes 
thicker, and at length is discharged in flakes. Aconi- 
tum, opium, and sulphur shorten the duration of the 
disease, which, when left to itself, runs through a stage 
of from nine to eleven days. When it is more severe, 
the horse is burning hot all over the body, and very 
restless, his breathing is very much hurried, he eats 
little, has constant thirst, and the discharge from the 
nose does not take place. We should here have re- 
course to aconitum and belladonna, after which rhus 
toxicodendron has been found very serviceable. If the 
breathing is difficult, and there is a frequent cough, 
spongia, bryonia, and chamomilla are indicated. 
When the brain is affected, and symptoms of stupor 
are observed, opium, digitalis, and arnica are to be 
administered. The difficult deglutition, with fits of 
suffocation, call for aconitum and chamomilla ; one 
dose of belladonna then generally removes the other 
symptoms. This treatment generally brings on a very 
profuse mucous discharge, which may be kept up for 
some time by means of spongia and bryonia.* 

COUGH. 

Cough is a common symptom in different diseases, 
for instance, in broken wind, strangles, pneumonia, 
bronchitis, &c. In such cases it disappears under the 
influence of the treatment suited to the general morbid 
state. But this does not always take place, and occa- 
sionally the cough continues after the principal disease 

* Mercurius vivus, arsenicum album, and Pulsatilla, will be found 
the most useful in the first stages of catarrh. 



COUGH HEMOPTYSIS. 135 

has been cured, and degenerates into a chronic state 
without any discoverable disease. When the cough is 
not complicated with any other affection of the lungs, 
the chief means to be adopted are the following : dulca- 
mara, if it has supervened after a cold ; squilla alter- 
nately with bryonia, if it require much effort, and cuts 
the respiration short ; ammonium muriaticum, bryonia, 
and cuprum, when it is of long standing ; belladonna 
and drosera, when it assumes the chronic character ; 
hyoscyamus, when it returns with frequent short sounds ; 
nux vomica, when it is dry, or when it returns every two 
days ; Pulsatilla, when it is dry, frequent, with loss of 
appetite and dryness of the alvine evacuations ; chamo- 
milla, if it is dry, with diarrhoea ; cuprum, if it be of long 
standing and dry, and returns in a short cough, and 
causes the animal to lose his sprightliness and good 
condition ; lycopodium, when the horse yawns before 
coughing or after ; sulphur and spiritus sulphuratus, 
when the cough is hard, and more especially when 
obstinate ; aconitum and arsenicum, when it comes on 
after the animal has drunk. 



HEMOPTYSIS. 

In this disease, the horse discharges by the nose a 
certain quantity of bright red, frothy blood, the escape 
of which is accompanied with violent cough, difficulty 
of breathing, and great beating in the flanks. In gen- 
eral it is very dangerous, for it is always referable as a 
cause to some serious lesion of the substance of the 
lung, thereby rupturing some of the ramifications of 
the pulmonary artery, to a fall, wound, &c. If it. 
come on after an external lesion, arnica should be 
given in repeated doses, then a dose of china. If it 
depend on a disease of the lungs, we should follow the 
course pointed out in the articles pneumonia and 
phthisis pulmonalis. 



136 HYDROTHORAX INFLAMMATION. 



HYDROTHORAX. 

Dropsy of the chest is developed in the same way as 
ascites, generally after pleuritis or pleuro-pneumonia, 
which has been badly treated. The fluid collected in 
the thoracic cavity is often in considerable quantity. 
The horse becomes dull and weak by degrees, with 
disinclination to move, during which he holds the head 
in one position. The respiration is difficult ; at each 
inspiration a groan is heard. The fore-legs are sepa- 
rated considerably from each other, in order that the 
shoulders may not confine the chest. The mucous 
membranes of the mouth and nose are pale. The 
tongue is white, the urine clear and limpid, the alvine 
evacuations soft. The appetite becomes worse and 
worse, the extremities are cold, the hair erect, and 
different parts of the body become ©edematous. If the 
lungs are at the same time affected, as is almost al- 
ways the case, the animal remains standing up, the 
breath diffuses a bad odor, and in many cases a dark 
fetid discharge comes from the nose. The legs are 
very cold as far as the knees, as also the ears. The 
least motion occasions great pain. China and arseni- 
cum alternately, are the chief means to be employed 
when the disease has not yet made too great progress, 
and especially when it has not immersed too large a 
portion of the lungs. Lycopodium also is useful, par- 
ticularly when there is considerable oedema. If the 
disease has been preceded by inflammation of the 
lungs, besides arsenicam, nitrum andpulsalilla will be 
found serviceable. 

INFLAMMATION. 

Aconitum is the chief remedy for every species of 
Inflammation, in the same manner as hryonia is in all 
cases of external and hot inflammatory tumors. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE PALATE PNEUMONIA. 137 



INFLAMMATION OF THE THROAT. 

Mercurius vivus is an excellent remedy in this dis- 
ease, where the animal refuses to eat in consequence 
of the acute pain caused by mastication ; at least, it 
has succeeded with me in all cases. There are some 
cases where sulphur has been found useful as consecu- 
tive treatment, especially if it is become chronic ; also 
hepar sulphuris, spongia, bryonia, &c, will at times 
be found useful. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE PALATE. 

This affection is often complicated with inflamma- 
tion of the pharynx, so that the horse can neither eat 
nor drink. The best remedy for it is mercurius vivus, 
particularly when there is combined with it salivation 
more or less profuse. Belladonna and aurum have 
also been found useful. 

PNEUMONIA. 

Pneumonia, or inflammation of the parenchymatous 
substance of the lungs, is uncombined with inflamma- 
tion of any other of the viscera contained within the 
thorax, a disease of rare occurrence in the horse, the 
minute ramification of the bronchi or the pleura, gen- 
erally participating in the inflammatory action. 

The causes are various ; spring and autumn being 
the seasons that the disease prevails more than at any 
other period. Young horses, and horses that have 
been at pasture, appear to be more susceptible of it 
when first taken into the stable ; variation of tempera- 
ture appearing a prominent cause, and the heat of the 
stables generally predisposing the lungs to disease, as 
it renders them unable to bear the frequent cold winds 
of the season. 

The causes of congestive pneumonia is over exertion, 
to which hunters, of all other horses, are the most 

12* 



138 PNEUMONIA. 

liable, from the severe exertion they at times undergo 
in a long run with hounds over a heavy country, par- 
ticularly in the month of November, when their work 
has been insufficient. Inflammatory pneumonia is apt 
to succeed congestion, brought on by over exertion. 

The symptoms of pneumonia commence generally 
with shivering, dulness, loss of appetite, staring coat, 
cold extremities, and a slight cough ; pulse, slow and 
feeble. These symptoms are not of long duration, for 
they are quickly succeeded by heat of skin, quick pulse, 
anxious countenance, hurried respiration, injection of 
the visible mucous membranes, heat of mouth, &c. 
The aforesaid symptoms gradually increase, as the 
disease advances, and the pulse generally becomes op- 
pressed, the extremities still cold. The terminations 
are : resolution, hepatization, gangrene, &c. 

Treatment. — Aconite should be administered about 
every twenty minutes, f in about a dessert spoonful of 
water, or given out of a clean glass bottle in the first 
or inflammatory stage, when the fever is extreme ; 
then phosphorus, as soon as the excessive febrile action 
has been allayed ; and, should the breathing and fever 
not give way to the employment and occasional alter- 
ation of these remedies, we must have recourse to bel- 
ladonna and tartarus emeticus, particularly the latter, if 
hepatization is thought to have begun. Should there 
be reason to apprehend pleuro-pneumonia, we should 
also employ bryonia alba. Rhus toxicodendron, san- 
guinarius canadense and tinctura sulphuris, are among 
the remedies most useful. Mercurius, arsenicum, ar- 
nica, montana, hepar sulphuris, chincona, digitalis, 
helleborus, veratrum album, sulphur, &c, may also be 
used under the several indications that require a 
change of remedies. Mercurius, in the reduced fever 
and frequent sweating ; arnica, against hemoptysis ; 
arsenicum, opium, and veratrum, against congestion, 
particularly if the disease appear in the form of an ep- 
idemic. And where serous effusion has taken place, 



PNEUMONIA ABSENCE OF THIRST. 139 

arsenicum, digitalis purpurea, and carbo vegetabilis, 
will be useful. 

If we apprehend suppurative abscesses, hepar sul~ 
phuris, silicea, pulsatilla, sulphur, and calcarea, should 
be employed. If tubercles form phthisis pulmonalis, 
causticum, acidum nitricum, arsenicum, spongia, lache- 
sis, carbo vegetabilis, phosphorus, and iodium, may be 
employed. We should also give injections of tepid 
water, and apply large flannel bandages around both 
the fore and hind legs. A loose box with good ven- 
tilation, when it can be procured, is also very desira- 
ble. As for diet, the animal will altogether refuse it ; 
as soon as the appetite returns, mashes of bran and 
oatmeal, with steamed carrots, should be given, and 
a constant supply of soft water, cold, should be left in 
a pail in the box. 



SECTION V. 

DISEASES OF THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES, &C 



ABSENCE OF THIRST. 



This affection takes place in different gastric diseases. 
It is always a symptom to be taken into consideration, 
because, generally speaking, it is an important symp- 
tom towards the proper selection of a remedy appro- 
priate to the disease. Pulsatilla is useful in all affec- 
tions of the abdomen, accompanied by absence of 
thirst. Sometimes this absence is only apparent, and 
is referrible to an inability to swallow water, the cause 
of which must then be sought for. Aconitum and 
mercurius vivus, will most frequently be found suit- 
able. 



140 DEPRAVED APPETITE LOSS OF APPETITE, 



DEPRAVED APPETITE. 

Depraved, or morbid appetite, is sometimes caused 
1 y vermicular affections, or by some irritation in the 
intestinal canal, from which the animal endeavors to 
rid itself, by eating wood, leather, earth, and other 
such substances, with so much the more greedi- 
ness, as its taste for ordinary food becomes more 
imparied. Turning up of the hair, debility, and emacia- 
tion, are the usual consequences of this chronic 
disease, which eventually causes the death of the ani- 
mal. The chief remedies to be employed in its cure 
are, Pulsatilla and mix vomica. Sepia is suitable when 
there is an extraordinary appetite ; and natrwn muri- 
aticum, when ordinary food is refused. If there be 
great debility, china is employed ; if from worms, 
china^ spigelia^ furrum, mercurius, sabadilla, sulph., &c. 

EOSS OF APPETITE. 

When a horse who fed well hitherto, no longer eats 
his provender, but throws it about, and moves away 
from the rack, which always denotes loss of appetite, 
we must hasten to investigate the cause, because it 
is frequently owing to a morbid state, more or less 
serious. We may easily conceive that an animal 
laboring under an acute inflammatory affection, will 
not eat till he is cured ; but the loss of appetite may 
be referrible to other causes, which it is not always 
easy to discover at once. Frequently there is inflam- 
mation of the tongue, gums, or throat, which prevents 
the animal from eating, however desirous he may be. 
In such cases, two doses of murcurius vivus never fail 
of proving effectual ; and the horse returns to his food 
as soon as the pain which prevented him from eating 
is diminished. Sometimes the diminution of appetite 
recognises for its cause a morbid state of the stomach, 
induced either by the bad quality, or excessive quantity 



ASCITES. 141 

of the food : arsenicum is specific in the first of these 
two cases, and antimoniwn crudum in the second ; if 
there is a diarrhoea, Pulsatilla should be employed : and 
if the animal has colic, chamomilla. Lampas, difficult 
dentition, caries of the teeth, &c, are among the causes 
of loss of appetite : for the treatment of which, vide 
those articles. Loss of appetite depends often on 
the animal's being to much fatigued. Under such 
circumstances nux vomica and cinchona are no doubt 
the chief means which should be employed, especially, 
when the loss of appetite has appeared after the drink- 
ing of cold water, or when the animal refuses to eat 
after having worked long beyond the ordinary time 
without his food. Frequently too, the loss of appetite 
is occasioned by the food itself, which is either of bad 
quality, or different from that usually given ; nor is 
the changing of the water given him for drinking with- 
out influence on the occasion. Disgust often has 
much to do in producing loss of appetite : a horse ac- 
customed to cleanliness, loses appetite when he is re- 
removed to a dirty stable, when mouldy hay is given 
him, or when he finds mouse dirt, or other excrements 
in the manger. Lastly, less of appetite is sometimes 
occasioned by the animal receiving too much proven- 
der at a time ; by the excess of oats, which he may 
have got becoming soiled with the slaver from his 
mouth. 

ASCITES. 

Ascites consists in a collection of serum in the cav- 
ity of the abdomen ; it differs thereby from anasarca, 
which supervenes also in other regions of the body, 
and where the subcutaneous cellular tissue is the seat 
of the accumulated fluid. It is discovered chiefly by 
the distension of the abdomen, and the fluctuation 
which is perceived, when after having applied one 
hand to the abdomen of the animal, the opposite side 
is percussed with the other hand ; it is frequently a 



142 colic. 

symptom of hepatitis. Dyspnoea^ great thirst, and 
scanty urine, are the principal symptoms. The dis- 
tension of the abdominal parietes occasionally becomes 
very great, and in most cases there is also added to 
it general anasarca, more especially beneath the belly, 
in the chest, and the scrotum ; sometimes the tumefac- 
tion attacks the entire body. The horse gradually 
loses strength, his aspect becomes heavy and dull, the 
appetite diminishes, and at length the state of exhaus- 
tion which follows terminates in death. This .disease 
is not uncommon among horses. The remedies em- 
ployed in this affection, and in the order in which they 
are here enumerated, are dulcamara, digitalis, hellebo- 
rus niger, arsenicum, and china, ; to each some days 
should be allowed, in order to expend their action. 
It is on the china principally that reliance should be 
placed. In one case, where all means failed, benefit 
was derived from lycopodium, whose action may be 
said to be very powerful in internal dropsies. As- 
cites complicated with anasarca has been cured solely 
by alternate doses of china and arsenicum, a mode of 
proceeding which experience warrants me in recom- 
mending. 

COLIC. 

Colic, a disease common in the horse, is sometimes 
dangerous, in consequence of its rapid course, but 
generally yields very readily to homoeopathic reme- 
dies. The causes which produce it are very various ; 
costiveness, and the influence of cold, grass produced 
from green forage, overloading of the stomach, and 
drinking cold water whilst heated, food of bad quali- 
ty, flatulent and unusual, excessive toil, continued far 
beyond the time for feeding, being out during a vio- 
lent storm, worms, &c. We even see horses to which 
a small portion of a certain kind of food never fails to 
give colic, though it may not injure others. Finally, 
we sometimes observe a species of chronic colic, con- 



colic. 143 

nected with some internal and deeply-seated disease, 
most frequently of a psoric nature. 

Among the general symptoms of colic, the follow- 
ing are more especially characteristic. The animal 
refuses his food, he beats or paws the ground with his 
fore-feet, raises the hind feet towards his belly, fre- 
quently looks at his flanks, his tail frequently quivers, 
the feet are generally close together, and the animal 
frequently throws himself on the ground, rolls about 
or places himself on his back, presses his legs up to 
his body, remains for some time in this situation, and 
suddenly raises himself again ; the symptoms of colic 
then return, sometimes in the midst of moans and 
groans, and in some cases with perspirations over the 
entire body. Under other circumstances, one of the 
flanks or* belly is swollen, though occasionally the 
horse, especially at the onset of the attack, passes his 
urine and fceces, which, notwithstanding the urgent 
desire he feels, he is not always able to do. Usually 
there are moments of relaxation, during which the an- 
imal remains standing or lying, and even eats some of 
his food ; but the pains soon return with increased in- 
tensity. The longer it lasts the more the horse's 
countenance bespeaks the acuteness of his sufferings ; 
the nostrils are dilated, the respiration hurried, he 
grinds the teeth, bites the manger, shakes his halter, 
becomes furious, and dies in a cold sweat, often in a 
few hours, rarely after a struggle of several days. 

The treatment is always to commence with a dose 
of aconiium, which is to be repeated once or twice, 
according to circumstances ; this relieves the first vio- 
lence of the attack, and occasionally, more especially 
in colic from cold, is sufficient to triumph over the 
disease. If this result has not been obtained at the 
end of a quarter of an hour after the third dose of 
aconitum, a dose of arsenicum should be given, the 
chief remedy in those colics, those especially termed 
flatulent, w r hen they depend on disturbance of diges- 



144 colic, 

tion, on excess of food, or of bad quality, or on drink- 
ing too cold water. Very frequently the repetition of 
this remedy is of great use, whilst in other cases we 
shall find it best to alternate it with aconitum. If af- 
ter the colic has ceased, constipation remain, nux vom- 
ica should be given, and in obstinate cases opium ; 
after which, should it fail, which is no uncommon oc- 
currence, we must have recourse to plumbum and 
alumina. Colic is rather frequently accompanied 
with retention of urine, or it has even been occasioned 
by it ; cantharides are then indicated, and in obstinate 
cases hyoscyamus always succeeds. 

After the means now pointed out, we must still re- 
commend in the treatment of colic the following rem- 
edies : chamomile in colicky attacks with great swell- 
ing of the abdomen, more especially when the disease 
has supervened after foundering ; colchicum in flatu- 
lent colic occasioned by green fodder or other food, 
also calcarea acetica : chamomile, alternately with aconi- 
tum, in spasmodic colic supervening after the ap- 
plication of cold ; nux vomica, in colic from constipa- 
tion, with a tympanitic state of the abdomen, sweat- 
ing on the flanks ; excrements in small lumps, brown- 
ish or covered with mucus, but more especially when 
in the intervals between the pains the horse yawns 
frequently ; Pulsatilla, in the colic occasioned by over- 
loading the stomach, with fetid dejections and cold in 
the fore-legs ; rhus toxicodendron, in the colic which 
depends on inflammation in the abdomen, when the 
animal looks often at his flanks. 

Further, it will not suffice merely to administer the 
appropriate remedy : we must by all means prevent 
the horse from injury when throwing himself on the 
ground during the accessions of the pain, as this 
might produce ruptures, which would inevitably oc- 
casion death in a few hours. He should frequently 
be made to walk at a slow pace. Forced exercise is 
a practice much to be condemned. 



COLIC FROM CONSTIPATION. 145 



COLIC FROM CONSTIPATION. 

Colic from constipation is frequently produced 
either by unwholesome food, or by the impression of 
cold. In this disease the symptoms common to the 
different species of colic are carried to rather a high 
degree, and in a great number of cases, there is also 
added the tympanitic state of the abdomen. Howev- 
er we may consider as symptoms which characterize 
them, the efforts of the animal to free itself from the 
fecal matters, and the nature of those it happens to 
expel. As in general there is inflammation and dis- 
turbance of digestion, the first thing to be done is to 
administer aconitum (one or two doses) and arsenicum ; 
also the use of injections of tepid water should not be 
lost sight of. After these means have in some degree 
calmed the first attack, if no dejections have as yet 
come on, nux vomica should be employed, when the 
dung is in small lumps, hard and compact ; opium 
when it is blackish, and, as it were, burnt, with a 
black color of the tongue, the poor animal lying ex- 
tended on the ground, as if he were dead ; plumbum, 
in obstinate cases, when the rectum is empty, the 
animal remains a long time tranquil, and the attacks 
of colic not very acute, and longer intervals super- 
vene between the attacks. We may recommend be- 
sides, arnica in the same cases as opium, but chiefly 
when there is uncertain support on the fore-legs, or 
heat in the hoofs ; lycopodium, when in the state of 
rest, the animal lies on the left side ; ammonium muri- 
aticum, when after having remained for some time 
calm, it suddenly rises up coughing, and is again at- 
tacked immediately with colic ; argilla, when the at- 
tacks of colic are dangerous and prolonged, and when 
there is reason to suspect inactivity of the intestinal 
canal, particularly of the rectum ; muriate of magne- 
sia, when the animal, on groaning, makes great and 
unavailing efforts ; veratrum, when a cold sweat 
13 



146 COLIC FROM COLD — FLATULENT, OR WINDY COLIC. 

breaks out during the accessions ; squill, when there 
is paralysis of the hind-legs ; antimonium crudum, 
when constipation alternates with diarrhoea. Some- 
times bryonia, in a somewhat considerable dose, gives 
relief with certainty and promptitude. 

COLIC FROM COLD. 

This disease resembles, to a certain extent, windy 
colic, with respect to its symptoms; but it differs 
from it chiefly in this, that the abdomen of the animal 
is but slightly enlarged, or not at all so, and also that 
the accessions, instead of being continued, manifest 
themselves by spasmodic paroxysms. The animal fre- 
quently starts, then lies down, remains for some 
time without moving, rolls himself, raises himself sud- 
denly, and places himself very frequently in the atti- 
tude of discharging his urine or fceces, but without 
being able to succeed. All at once a calm is reestab- 
lished, the pains cease for ten or fifteen minutes, they 
then return with an increased severity, and the horse 
is lost if relief be not brought very soon. Aconitum, 
in doses repeated every ten minutes, is possessed of 
an indisputable specific power, and it is seldom we are 
obliged to have recourse to arsenicum. When no 
more of disease remains except the strangury, which 
accompanies it, cantharides are given, and if they 
prove ineffectual, hyoscyamus. Nux vomica, opium, 
and plumbum are indicated when any constipation re- 
mains. Colocynthis and lycopodium are useful in such 
cases. 

FLATULENT, OR WINDY COLIC. 

Colic in general, and windy colic in particular, are 
among the diseases most frequently met with in horses. 
The symptoms are generally known ; the horse ceases 
to eat, he scrapes with his feet, frequently looks at his 
flanks, carries his hind feet towards them, whisks the 



FLATULENT, OR WINDY COLIC. 147 

tail, throws himself on the ground, brings up his legs 
close to his body, strives to roll himself, but soon 
stands up, and recommences the same series of move- 
ments ; at first he dungs and passes urine ; but in a 
short time he can no longer do so, notwithstanding 
all his efforts ; the belly swells ; the eye is open wide ; 
the fixed look denotes the intense pain, the respiration 
is very much hurried, the nostrils are very widely di- 
lated, and perspiration often inundates the entire 
body. Sometimes there are intervals without pain, 
during which the animal becomes calm, and strives 
even to eat ; but the pain soon returns with increased 
severity ; the feet and surface of the body become 
more and more cold ; at length the animal dies in the 
midst of a cold sweat, and with all the symptoms of 
frenzy, usually at the end of from twelve to thirty-six 
hours ; sometimes however in the short space of a few 
hours ; the struggle seldom lasts long if relief is not 
obtained. 

The occasional causes of the disease are somewhat 
numerous : most frequently it depends on overload- 
ing the stomach ; or else it is the consequence of 
bad food, especially that which is damp, or green 
food, as clover, &c, which the animal has eaten greed- 
ily. A dose of aconitum, repeated if necessary, re- 
moves the inflammatory state, which is predominant 
in such cases, and frequently there is no necessity for 
anything else, as the disease will disappear in half an 
hour, especially when it has been brought on by cold. 
After aconitum, that which is most suitable is arseni- 
cum, which almost always dissipates the entire symp- 
toms with the utmost promptitude. Nux vomica and 
opium are, in general, infallible means for removing 
the obstinate constipation occasioned by windy colic, 
which disappears the moment this constipation ceases. 
However, this does not always happen ; and in obsti- 
nate cases, plumbum has constantly been found useful ; 
bryonia and colocynthis have also produced excellent 



148 VERMINOUS COLIC. 

effects ; colchicum autumuale has always succeeded in 
windy colic occasioned by green fodder or other green 
food ; Pulsatilla when the animal sweated very much 
and passed but very small thin stools ; nux vomica, 
when the evacuations were small and covered with 
mucus. Chamomilla is also an important remedy in 
this disease, especially when it has come on after 
drawing a heavy load in a violent wind, or after rapid 
running. If the animal have a wild, fierce look, it is 
necessary then to give him a dose of belladonna, and 
then to return to the chamomilla. The capital remedy 
against all species of colic is arsenicum, to which we 
should always have recourse, after having adminis- 
tered a dose of aconitum. Frequently after the windy 
colic has yielded, there remains an obstinate retention 
of urine, which is relieved by a dose of cantharides, 
or, if this does not succeed, by hyoscyamus, 

COLIC (VERMINOUS.) 

Collections of worms in the intestines occasion 
sometimes symptoms which bear a great analogy to 
the attacks of colic, or perfectly resemble them ; for 
the horse strikes with his tail, raises his hind feet to- 
wards the belly, thrown himself on the ground, rolls 
himself, rises up, and then eats as usual. But we can- 
not consider it as certain that such attacks are owing 
to worms, unless we have had some other means of 
ascertaining the existence of these. A dry cough 
is a usual attendant, with an unthrifty looking coat, 
and, in general, shaking after drinking. The animal 
affected with worms often moves his tail to the right 
and left ; he strives to rub his hind part, and particu- 
larly the end of the tail against different objects ; he 
frequently licks the walls, and rubs his upper lip ; he 
has continual rumbling in his bowels, and his dung, 
at first a little liquid, is generally very foetid. After 
aconitum, we should employ in such cases, china, nux 



DIARRHCEA. 149 

vomica, and marum verum ; also recourse may be had 
to calcarea, carbo vegetabilis, filixmas, sabadilla, gra- 
phitis, &c. ; for the cure of tsenia, aconite, china, hyos- 
cyamus, cicuta, spigelia. Belladonna, china, mercurius 
solubilis and absinthium, for the cure of lumbrici ; 
digitalis, ignatia amara and marum verum against as- 
carides, also aconite, ferrum, sulphur and Valeriana for 
the removal of oestrus. As there should be no worms 
in the body of an animal in good health, and as their 
presence always denotes a morbid predisposition fa- 
vorable to their production, it is necessary after having 
removed the colic, to combat this disposition : the 
principal means for this is sulphur, antimonium crudum, 
calcarea, &c. 

DIARRHCEA. 

The most prominent causes of diarrhoea are long 
continuance on unwholesome food, brackish or mineral 
waters, undue purgation from different medicaments, 
verminous affections, and in some horses habituated to 
close hot stables, the change of temperature will induce 
it. Horses that are light-hearted and of a nervous 
disposition are the most susceptible to it ; anything 
that irritates or inflames the stomach and intestines are 
likely to induce super-purgation. 

Treatment. — If caused by worms, we must admin- 
ister china, sulphur, and spigelia. The medicaments 
that are found most useful in the various kinds of 
diarrhoea are aconitum napellus, arsenicum album, bry- 
onia, carbo vegetabilis, pidsatilla, colocynthis, mercu- 
rius, nux vomica, ipecacuanha, sulphur, &c. If there 
are feverish symptoms, and in warm weather, we ad- 
minister aconitum ; if the foeces smell offensive, with 
approaching putridity, arsenicum and carbo vegetabilis ; 
if resulting from change of temperature, particularly 
from heat to cold, bry onia ; in intermittent diarrhoea, 
china; if approaching dysentery, with violent pain, 
13* 



150 ENTERITIS. 

evacuations of slimy sanguinolent mucus, colocyntkis^ 
ipecacuanha and mercurius ; nux vomica in nervous 
diarrhoea, and sulphur may be used in any stage of 
the disease. 

ENTERITIS. 

Inflammation of the intestines bears, with -respect to 
its symptoms, a close resemblance to spasmodic colic, 
from which, however, it may be distinguished. In 
colic there is generally a remission of symptoms, and 
the pulse varies, being at times natural, at others small 
and feeble, then full and quick, whereas in enteritis it 
is hard and quick, and as the disease advances, the 
pulse still rises to double the number of beats, or even 
more, and there is no remission of pain, although it 
appears at times more severe, but the horse gradually 
gets worse unless speedy relief is obtained. The an- 
imal refuses to eat, but there is great thirst, and the 
respiration, which is accelerated, is accompanied with 
beating of the flanks. The eyes are red and starting, 
mouth hot, the extremities sometimes hot and some- 
times cold. The animal has the back arched, fre- 
quently looks at the abdomen, which is tense and 
painful, he scrapes with his feet, rolls himself on the 
ground, starts up with a frightened air, stamps with 
the fore feet, strikes the abdomen with the hind feet, 
and is very sensitive to the slightest touch. At first 
he voids from time to time a small quantity of fceces ; 
in a little time he passes nothing from the bowels. 
When the disease has lasted for some time, and an ap- 
parent calm comes on, during which time the animal's 
legs and feet become deadly cold, the skin cold and 
clammy, the mouth cold, and the eyes, which were 
before depicted with anxiety, now become sunken, 
and the pulse imperceptible, it is a proof that the in- 
flammation has degenerated into gangrene, and that 
death is not far off. Aconitum is one of the chief 



FISTULA. 151 

remedies ; a dose of it is to be administered every 
ten or fifteen minutes, until a perfect cure is estab- 
lished, or at least until a perceptible change for the 
better has taken place. In general, the animal is 
saved at the end of half an hour. If the continued 
employment of aconitum has not removed all the 
symptoms after from two to three hours, arsenicum 
should be given, which is more especially indicated 
when the disease has been produced by cold drinks 
taken when the animal has been sweating, or by 
some irregularity of regimen. Colocynthis, rhus tox- 
icodendron and arnica have succeeded in other cases. 
Frequently, after the cure has been effected, some 
constipation remains, or a retention of urine ; the 
former is to be treated by nux vomica and opium, 
the second by cantharides, and, in obstinate cases, by 
hyoscyamus. There are other remedies in some par- 
ticular cases that should not be lost sight of, viz. : bel- 
ladonna, bryonia, ipecacuanha, nux vomica, Pulsatilla, 
veratrum album, &c. 

FISTULA. 

Fistulse are ulcers which instead of instantly dis- 
charging the pus externally, sink down more or less 
into the living parts, and form sinuses therein, so as 
to attack the muscles, ligaments, and even the bones. 
The principal forms of these are : dental fistula, 
which is seated at the carious root of a tooth, and 
terminates almost always at the inferior edge of the 
lower jaw, seldom in that of the upper ; the salivary 
fistula, which commences in the place where the canal 
passes over the edge of the jaw, and continually 
gives discharge to a considerable quantity of clear 
and limpid saliva ; the venous fistula, which is com- 
mon enough after venesection when badly performed, 
and which consequently is unknown to homoeopathy, 
since aconitum serves in the hands of the homceopa- 



152 FISTULA IN ANO — GASTRITIS. 

thist to fulfil all the indications for which the old 
school employ blood-letting. Fistula in ano may be 
caused by mechanical inj uries ; scrotal fistula, the 
consequence of castration, when the epididymis has 
not been completely removed ; fistula in the withers, 
of which we shall speak in another place. Pulsatilla 
is a principal remedy in all these species of fistulse 
and fistulous ulcers. Belladonna for salivary fistula. 
Silicea also deserves to be recommended. For those 
cases in which Pulsatilla does not suffice, see the ar- 
ticles Abscess and Suppuration. Also antimonium 
crudum, calcarea carbonica, lycopodium, carho vegeta- 
bilis, phosphorus and sulphur will occasionally be 
found useful. 

FISTULA IN ANO. 

We must not confound fistulse in ano with abscesses 
in the rectum, which result generally from an internal 
lesion, and which generally open into the intestine it- 
self. They are very uncommon in the horse, and are 
observed only after surgical operations, that, for in- 
stance, on the tail, when the first incision has been 
made too near the anus. Two species are dis- 
tinguished, the complete and incomplete. The form- 
er have two openings, one in the rectum, the other on 
the outside ; those of the second species have but one, 
and terminate in a cut de sac, seated in the cellular 
tissue surrounding the anus. For the treatment see 
the article Fistula. 

GASTRITIS. 

This disease, which is rather uncommon in the 
horse, is dangerous by reason of the readiness with 
which it passes into gangrene. The animal affected 
with it is very restless ; throws himself on the ground, 
then stands up, turns himself, scrapes and strikes with 
the fore-feet, frequently looks at his belly. As in 



HERNIA. 153 

most inflammatory diseases, the pulse is hard and ac- 
celerated, respiration difficult, no appetite. The horse 
frequently looks as if he were yawning, or biting ; 
his entire body is of a burning heat, the mouth dry 
and hot ; if he be neglected, death takes place some- 
times at the end of forty-eight hours ; he most fre- 
quently dies delirious. The ordinary causes are an 
excess of food, more especially fresh clover, and ex- 
posure to cold. Neither is gastritis uncommon after 
the use of poisonous vegetables, the abuse of purga- 
tives, &c. Aconitum (one dose) ; then arsenicum, 
and afterwards car ho vegetabilis are the chief reme- 
dies. Anlimonium crudum, Pulsatilla and ipecacuanha 
are also employed when the animal attempts to yawn 
and bite, stramonium when he feels uneasiness after 
drinking or eating ; ipecacuanha^ and an hour after, 
arsenicum, when he appears nauseated after having 
eaten, 

HERNIA. 

The horse is sometimes affected with abdominal 
hernia, occasioned by great efforts in drawing a heavy 
load, leaping a wide ditch, &c. Such efforts occa- 
sion through a lesion in the parietes of the abdomen 
the protrusion of a portion of intestine, which pro- 
duces a subcutaneous tumor, soft and indolent. This 
tumor increases gradually when it is not attended to, 
or when the animal is made to continue at severe 
work. When at length the portion of the viscera 
which have protruded through the small opening be- 
come sufficiently compressed and squeezed by the 
latter, the hernia assumes the name of strangulated : 
the horse suffers very much ; he evinces great dis- 
tress, he no longer passes anything from his bowels, the 
swelling becomes inflamed, and almost always, when 
timely assistance is not rendered, gangrene supervenes, 
which quickly proves fatal. To cure an abdominal 
hernia without an external wound, we are to fix very 



154 



INDIGESTION. 



tightly in the swelling a plug made of tow, secured 
and kept on by means of a tight girt ; this is to be 
left on for four or five days, the animal to be visited 
daily. Arnica is to be administered very often in- 
ternally ; the animal must be kept quiet, and all flatu- 
lent food to be carefully avoided. If the protruded 
portions of the intestine be considerable, they must 
be reduced previous to the application of the band- 
age, and should inflammation have already taken 
place, aconitum should be given several times. If a 
portion of the intestines, or epiploon have escaped 
through a large wound in the abdomen, the parts are 
to be washed in warm water, and after having dilated 
the wound, (the animal lying on the opposite side), 
they are to be replaced by compressing them alter- 
nately with the fingers of the two hands steeped in 
oil ; the muscles and skin are then drawn over the 
part, and arnica is employed both internally and ex- 
ternally. Castration is the means to be employed to 
prevent inguinal and scrotal hernia in colts and stal- 
lions. Umbilical hernise are often seen in colts, 
which yield to the internal and external use of sul- 
phuric acid. When these hernia? occur in an adult 
horse, he is to be laid on his back, the hind quar- 
ters a little raised, the viscera are returned, and after 
having laid hold of the skin above the ruptured part, 
it is to be tied as close as possible to the body with 
shoemaker's thread : the edges adhere gradually, and 
the portion of skin beyond the ligament eventually 
falls off. 

INDIGESTION. 

Great irregularity in regimen and exposure to cold 
is very frequently the cause of this affection, horses la- 
boring under indigestion have a staring coat and an 
unhealthy appearance. Attacks of indigestion are parti- 
cularly common in voracious animals, which are made to 



INDIGESTION. 155 

work immediately after taking food. When the stomach 
alone is affected, we observe embarrassment in the 
breathing, and dislike to food. This is the case for em- 
ploying antimonium crudem and coffcea cruda. Ipeca- 
cuanha, which is to be followed by arsenicum at the end 
of about an hour, is also very useful. When the 
indigestion is carried to an extreme degree, the animal 
is found to be very restless, he holds the head down 
very much, keeps at a great distance from the manger, 
frequently strikes with his fore-feet, and almost always 
sweat is oozing from him; the alvine evacuations 
are dry and mixed with undigested oats. This state 
differs from colic in the animal not being anxious 
to lie down. The principal-remedies are : ipecacuanha, 
which is useful in almost all affections of the ab- 
domen: nux vomica when there is loss of appetite, 
constipation, and the fceces consist of small lumps ; 
arsenicum in the case of watery stools unattended 
with pain : Pulsatilla, if the digestions are liquid and 
fetid ; antimonium crudum, in case large feculent lumps 
are voided, with aversion to food ; chamomilla when 
there is diarrhoea, with swelling of the belly ; rheum, 
if the horse passes soft fceces without pain ; dulcamara 
and mux vomica, if the indigestion has been the con- 
sequence of cold, and if the foeces are hard and dry ; 
bryonia, when an irregularity of regimen or cold gives 
rise to the constipation or diarrhoea with aversion 
to food. It is not uncommon, when shedding their 
coats, for delicate horses to fall into a state of de- 
bility, which extends even to the digestive organs, 
and prevents their eating with an appetite ; a couple 
of doses of china, then a dose of nux vomica, never fail 
to dissipate this symptom ; this should be followed by 
calcarea, silicea, and sulphur. 



156 PERITONITIS. 



OVERLOADING OF THE STOMACH. 

Overloading of the stomach, which may bring on 
gastritis, or other bad consequences, is not uncom- 
mon in horses to which too much corn has been giv- 
en, or which have during the absence of their attend- 
ants slipped their head-collar and helped themselves. 
Coffcea cruda is the best remedy in all cases. If too 
much delay has been made, it is to antimonium crudum 
we must have recourse. When there is constipa- 
tion at the same time, nux vomica is indicated. Pid- 
satilla is the remedy to be administered when diarrhoea 
supervenes, a case in which arsenicum also is of great 
use, although the generality of horses will not take 
sufficient corn to injure themselves. 

PERITONITIS. 

Inflammation of the peritoneum is a disease of not 
very frequent occurrence, it is sometimes occasioned 
by cold, a fall, blows received on the abdomen, cas- 
tration, &c. ; but much more frequently it makes its 
appearance without our being able to assign any par- 
ticular causes for it. Its symptoms are similar to 
those of enteritis. It produces an extreme degree of 
distress. At first the animal remains quiet ; but after 
a little time the pain obliges him to throw himself on 
the ground, then to rise immediately : he constantly 
looks at his flanks, and strives to rub the abdomen 
with the hind feet. The ears and nose are cold, the 
belly is distended and the bowels costive, pulse quick 
and hard, redness of the inner surface of the eye-lids, 
and often also profuse sweats are the principal symp- 
toms of this disease, which may bring on gangrene 
when the inflammation is not arrested in time. This 
end is obtained by aconitum, our chief remedy in all 
inflammatory affections : according to circumstances, 
one dose is administered every quarter of an hour, 



ABORTION. 157 

every half hour, or every hour, until, the pulse has 
again returned to the natural state, and the animal 
has become evidently more tranquil. Should not the 
frequency and hardness of the pulse abate under the 
employment of aconitum, we should alternate it with 
sulphur. We are seldom forced to have recourse to 
the other means, which are bryonia, nux vomica, 
arsenicum, &c, and when there is a discharge of 
blood from the bladder, cantharides should be em- 
ployed. If the animal is seized immediately with 
great debility, and that its strength is seen to sink per- 
ceptibly, arsenicum is to be immediately given. 



SECTION VI. 

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS AND ORGANS OF 
GENERATION. 



ABORTION. 



Mares in foal are exposed to abort, when they are 
worked too hard, or when they are ridden without 
sufficient caution. Abortion is also occasionally the 
result of a fall, blow, etc. In the latter case arnica 
must be given at once, in order to prevent it, as also 
rhus toxicodendron, if there have been luxation, sprain, 
&c. If the signs of parturition be observed, Pulsatil- 
la, sabina and secale cornutum. If after the abortion 
the coming away of the after birth be delayed for 
more than three hours, we must administer first sa- 
bina, then secale cornutum. Should these means prove 
ineffectual, we must have recourse to manual interfe- 
14 



158 CYSTITIS. 

rence, and proceed to detach the placenta according to 
the rules of art. 

CALCULI (VESICAL). 

The presence of a calculus in the bladder can only 
be discovered by examining this viscus per rectum, 
which under such circumstances is often found to be 
enormously distended, so as frequently to burst. The 
symptoms are in general those which are met in 
cystitis. Frequent voiding of urine, occasioned by 
the irritation of the calculus, sometimes with great 
difficulty, at other times completely suppressed, the 
urine is in general thick and whitish, and on stand- 
ing a short time deposits a sediment, at other times it 
is tinged with blood ; the horse is at times attacked 
with spasms, and groans with pain, frequently hitting 
his sheath with his hind feet, &c. The inflammation 
requires the employment of aconitum, after which I 
have twice seen the calculi make their exit from the 
bladder. Uva ursi is then the medicine which con- 
tributes most effectually to prevent contraction of the 
urethra, and to favor the expulsion of the calculus. 
Sarsaparilla is the chief remedy when the symptoms 
assume a chronic form. I know not whether uroli- 
thine, which has been recently recommended, has 
ever been employed with advantage. Aconite and 
cantharides are also useful. When the stone is of a 
large size, or becomes partly insinuated into the 
urethra, recourse must be had to the operation of 
lithotomy. 

CYSTITIS. 

This disease closely resembles nephritis in its symp- 
toms. The animal makes frequent and unavailing 
efforts to pass urine. He walks also with the hind 
legs a little more separated than usual, and clearly 
shows that motion causes him pain. Sometimes the 



DIFFICULT PARTURITION. 159 

neck of the bladder is alone the seat of the disease ; 
at other times the tunics or coats of the organ are 
principally affected, but whether the peritoneal, mus- 
cular or villous, participates most in the inflammation, 
is, in the living animal, difficult to decide, the external 
symptoms so much resembling each other ; therefore, 
cystitis is considered here as general, it is frequently 
brought on by calculus, or by the active diuretics giv- 
en, or the absorption of cantharides. The treatment 
should be commenced by two or three doses of aco- 
nitum, which should be administered within the space 
of an hour. If the violence of the disease has been 
perceptibly diminished thereby, without the animal, 
however, being yet able to pass his urine, a dose of 
cantharides almost always succeeds, excepting in a 
very few obstinate cases, when several hours relapse 
without passing urine, we are then obliged to have 
recourse to hyoscyamus. The following remedies 
should also be taken into account. If from the ab- 
sorption of cantharides, with turbulent or bloody urine, 
camphor. If retention of urine, cannabis. When the 
neck is the principal seat of affection, with the emission 
of only a few drops of urine, digit. If it is sedimen- 
tous, dulc. ; also, nux vomica and sulphur. 

DIFFICULT PARTURITION. 

In general, when pregnant mares are not over- 
worked, and are well cared, they bring forth without 
any great efforts, and seldom require the aid of man. 
However, cases occasionally present themselves, in 
which the mother's strength is not sufficient to bring 
forth the foal, and where we are obliged to have 
recourse to medicines or to manual interference, to 
prevent accidents of which the one or the other might 
become the victim. A long time elapses sometimes 
before the animal lies down, and evinces great rest- 
lessness before the effectual pains come on ; chamo* 



160 DIABETES. 

milla, Pulsatilla and cannabis are then useful. If the 
pains are accompanied with convulsive movements, 
secale comutum is administered, and when they cease 
altogether, Pulsatilla and opium are given. When the 
after birth is slow in coming away, sabina is given, and 
if that does not suffice, secale comutum. Platina and 
sepia, (the latter at first alone, and when it proves 
insufficient, alternately with the other) must be em- 
ployed when the mare still continues to strain after 
the placenta has come away. If the milk is slow in 
appearing, it is necessary to have recourse to aconitum 
and chamomilla. Arnica is suitable when the animal 
has suffered much, and nux vomica when there remains 
a sort of paralysis of the loins. Inflammation of the 
womb yields to arnica and sabina employed alter- 
nately, and the febrile shiverings which come on after 
delivery are dissipated by aconitum and Pulsatilla. 
Arnica is useful in case of inflammation and tume- 
faction of the umbilicus in the foal. 

DIABETES. 

This disease owes its origin to various causes, such 
as change of food, of water, the frequent use of medi- 
cines given as diuretics, &c. It may be temporary, 
arising from nervous excitement, or permanent, from 
existing a long time, and caused by an altered secre- 
tion from a long continuance of unwholesome food, or 
abuse of medicine. 

Diabetes mellitus, or the sugary form of the disease, 
is sometimes, though rarely, met with in the horse. 

The medicines most useful in this disease are conium, 
maculatum, natrum mitriaticum, ledum palustre, phos- 
phoric acid, baryta muriatica, sidphur and mercurius ; 
at the same time especial care must be taken that the 
diet consists of wholesome food, with as much river or 
other good water as the animal will take ad libitum* 



SWELLING OF THE GENITALS HEMATURIA. 161 



SWELLING OF THE GENITALS. 

Inflammation and swelling of the genitals, which 
frequently terminate in induration, are to be treated 
chiefly with rhus toxicodendron and sulphur. Bella- 
donna also has answered perfectly well in most cases. 
Camphor was found useful in circumstances where the 
disease declared itself suddenly, with difficulty of void- 
ing urine. Much good has been obtained from bryonia 
in the case of hot inflammatory swelling ; of conium in 
case of simultaneous swelling of the scrotum ; and of 
rhus toxicodendron, when the tumefaction was accom- 
panied with frequent desire to pass urine. 

GONORRHOEA. 

This disease is seen generally in stallions and mares 
after sexual intercourse, and it is sometimes the conse- 
quence of an infection. In the stallion it presents itself 
under the appearance of swelling of the glans penis, 
ulcers in the penis, and swelling of the testicles and 
inguinal glands, symptoms to which are added after 
some time a discharge from the nose and tumefaction 
of the glands, as in glanders. In the mare there are 
found to be swelling and itching in the vulva and 
vagina, thus the formation of small vesicles, which are 
followed by corroding ulcers. The animals of both 
sexes, so affected, have a stiff walk, lose their sprightli- 
ness, and gradually waste away : death takes place 
with putrid fever, or, in rare cases, in apoplexy. Mer- 
curius vivus generally cures the disease. If it be of 
long standing, we should add arsenicum, thuja, and 
nitri acidum, this disease appears in its symptoms truly 
venereal. 

HEMATURIA. 

The discharge of pure blood by the urinary passages, 
that is to say of urine more or less mixed with blood, 
14* 



163 EN-CONTINENCE OF UBINE NEPHRITIS. 

is not annsaal in horses: and in general if presents 
much less danger than in horned cattle. In general it 
fakes place only in the ease :: renal or vesical leiculus. 
in cystitis or nephritis when it has attained the highest 
degree :: severity, :: after a contusion or any rihei 
externa] iesizn. Tie symptoms then resemble more 
:: less those :: attacks : sofic : the hor-r is inll, lies 
down, but soon rise- : gain, and from time to time he 
passes a smaii juantity :: urine tinged - a:h 
When there is inflammatiee-. a: . .: i is employed, 
and the remedies noticed in the articles 3ysthe 
xepheitis. However, :: the a is ease depend on a eon- 
tnsion or on a blow received in the lumbar region, 
: is the remedy ::: which we may salcnlafe most. 
W hen none c: these sanses exist, ipecacuanha is 
employed 

nrcoHTOTBHce of ubihe. 

Pulsatilla is the chief remedy for tins disease, ::: the 
enre of which wc may alsc employ rA*« fax 
and china. If the urine is eontinnally esca ing. hroj 
by drop, we employ arnica, oeirolt .. Pulsatilla and 
tpigeUa, Ferru is indicated when there 

:s a: the seme rirae esecriahzn :£ the uihaary ergans. 

XEPHEITIS. 

Hrrses are sometimes attacked with this disease, 
which is generally dangerous in an acute form, and is 
accompanied at least, in general, with very severe 
symptoms. It often comes on after external violence, 
more especially on the lumh ar i e gi : n : but under many 
arcwmstanees it depen is on an internal morbid dispo- 
sition, and : : : as: : nally on the eating of noxious plants, 
and unwholesome diet: the constant use of diuretic 
medicine, also, if if ices not actually produce this 
ikease, prethsj :5is the kidneys :: take :a inflamma- 
*.::y action from causes that would not have produced 



NYMPHOMANIA. 163 

it. The ordinary symptoms are a continued fever, 
pulse quick and hard, depression of the back, stiffness 
and straddling in walking, the indication of acute 
pains, when we lean on or press the back and loins, 
unavailing efforts to void urine, or else as long as 
the inflammation lasts, small quantities of turbid, 
pungent urine, which then becomes thick, and often 
bloody. Aconitum commences the treatment, especially 
when there is much fever ; after which the principal 
remedy is nitrum : mix vomica, cant har ides, cocculus 
and phosphorus serve as intercurrent remedies, else 
there is stiffness of the limbs. In the treatment of 
chronic nephritis, again belladonna is recommended, if 
the sight is affected and the look wild ; cannabis when 
there is much restlessness without apparent inflamma- 
tory symptoms ; cannabis, when the animal strikes, or 
frequently looks at his flank ; kepar sulphwis, when 
the breathing is anxious during the desire to void the 
urine ; mercurius virus, if this desire is accompanied 
with sweat ; plumbum, in case of absolute constipation ; 
and thuja, which suits all the symptoms, but is parti- 
cularly indicated when the legs swell.* 

NYMPHOMANIA. 

This affection generally appears at the commence- 
ment of spring ; the animals affected become dull, 

* We read in the Journal des Haras, 1S36, t. 17, a note of M. 
Mercier, Captain in the 10th regiment of Cuirassiers, stating that 
31 Leblanc, the veterinary surgeon of this corps, obtained, through 
homoeopathy, the radical cure of eighteen glandered horses. Aurum, 
Pulsatilla, calcarea, bryonia, belladonna, aconitum, acidum phospho- 
ricum, were the means employed, in the third, sixth, ninth, fifteenth, 
and sometimes thirteenth dynamizations, in the dose of from two to 
three drops on powdered sugar of milk, administered in the morn- 
ing, fasting, and placed on the horse's tongue by means of a bone 
spatula. The doses were repeated every two days, until there was 
a marked aggravation, after the expiration of which the new dose 
■was administered, if there was no improvement. It is only in the 
marked case of a perceptible amendment, that a longer interval w 33 
allowed to elapse between the doses, which were then administered 
only every eight or fifteen days. 



164 PAIN OP KIDNEYS FROM PRESSURE. 

weak and out of condition ; at other times nervous 
and irritable, with a frequent voiding of urine in small 
quantities, thick, yellow and gelatinous. We employ 
in its treatment, pulsatilla, veratrum album, sabina? 
cocculus and cantharides : cannabis, camphor a and 
platina are suitable. It may be also occasioned by 
mechanical injuries. Against sterility the following 
medicines have been recommended, borax veneta, 
calcarea carbonica, ammonium carbonicum, cannabis 
saliva, mercurius and phosphorus. 

PAIN OF KIDNEYS FROM PRESSURE. 

Like all lesions occasioned by prolonged pressure, 
the affection of kidneys never fails to yield in a very 
short time to external treatment with arnica water, 
more especially when during this treatment the horse 
is no longer ridden. But even in cases where the 
affection is of very long standing, a few days are 
often sufficient to bring about a cure. Pulsatilla is 
an excellent remedy against contusions of the spine 
and withers ; bryonia, when there is a hot and tense 
swelling in the ribs. When the tumors developed on 
the bone are not hot to the touch. When they have 
passed into the chronic state, conium almost always is 
of service. 

RETENTION OF URINE. 

We must carefully distinguish the retention of 
urine, in which the secretion afforded by the kidneys 
cannot be carried out, from the suppression of urine, 
which consists in a great diminution, or even a total 
suspension of this secretion. The suppression of urine 
frequently depends on an inflammation of the kidneys, 
or on some lesion of these organs occasioned by 
enormous doses of diuretics. It is easily recognized 
by the accompanying fever, by the posture of the 
animal, wherein he keeps his legs separated from 



INFLAMMATION OF THE SCROTUM. 165 

each other, and by the frequent efforts he makes 
to void urine, though the examination of the bladder 
by the rectum proves it to be empty. In the retention 
of urine, on the contrary, this same examination shows 
that the bladder is full, and that it is frequently 
distended to an enormous degree. The animal puts 
himself in posture very frequently, but passes no 
urine, or expels only some drops, and feels pains 
which compel him to utter frequent moans. When 
the disease does not yield in the space of forty-eight 
hours, the animal inevitably dies of rupture of the 
bladder. A dose of acoraiurn. followed by cantharides, 
is generally of service. If the animal does not void 
his urine then, hyoscyamuc should be indicated. Ly co- 
podium also is an important remedy. In the retention 
of urine we commence with a dose of aconitwm : 
then, after fifteen or twenty minutes, cantharides should 
be given, and when this remedy produces no effect, 
at the end of an hour, hyoscyamm. Cannabis and pe> 
trosdinum have also been recommended in thi 
Arnica, capsicum, coichicum. nux vomica and Pulsatilla 
have on many occasions been found very useful. How- 
ever, the first three medicines have been found suffi- 
cient in the great majority of eases. Urinary calculus 
is at times the occasion of retention of urine, it must 
then be treated accordingly, see Calculus. 

SATYRIASIS. 

The remedies to be employed in this disease are 
cantharides and plaiina. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE SCROTUM. 

This disease which frequently comes on after castra- 
tion, is easily prevented by some doses of arnica. § 
during the first days after the operation. If, notwith- 
standing, the turnefacu. e should 
recourse to sulphur, and in case of failure, to ckmatu 



166 SPASM OF THE BLADDER. 

erecta. Great efforts to draw loads are frequently 
followed by considerable tumefaction of the testicles 
of the entire horse. Here we should employ coniwn. 
If the affection be brought on by contusion, friction, 
&c, arnica is employed, which should also be applied 
externally. 

SPASM OF THE BLABBER. 

This affection consists in a spasmodic contraction 
of the sphincter of the bladder, which renders the 
passing of the urine impossible. It is often observed 
after cold, when the horses pass the night out of the 
stable, or as a secondary symptom in colic ; it has 
also been frequently observed after a day's hunting. 
The animal evinces great uneasiness ; he is tormented 
as much almost as in fits of colic, scrapes, throws 
himself on the ground, stands up again after some 
minutes, and often strains to pass urine, but ineffec- 
tually. Occasionally the abdomen is swollen, and in 
the dissection of horses, the spleen is frequently found 
considerably enlarged, (hypertrophied,) sometimes it 
has been found to weigh upwards of fifteen pounds, 
There are also cases on record of rupture of the viscus ; 
the symptoms resemble those of gripes, and has been 
mistaken for the latter by observant practitioners ; the 
death of the animal generally takes place in eighteen 
or twenty hours after the symptoms are observed. 
On examining the rectum, we find that the bladder 
is very much distended. Aconitum and cantharides 
are then proper in most cases ; however, hyoscyamus 
deserves the preference when the animal has passed 
the night out of the stable. Cannabis is an excellent 
remedy in case of strangury. Opium also produces 
very good results, especially when there are intervals 
of rest between the pains, the pulse being small and 
scarcely perceptible, the animal sad, and as it were 
asleep. It is stated that arnica has been found useful 



STRANGURY. 167 

in the case of heat in the hoof, and Pulsatilla in that 
of cold in the extremities. 

SPERMATORRHOEA. 

This disease, which is occasionally met with in 
stallions, and which consists in a discharge of liquids 
similar to semen, weakens the animal very much, 
when not promptly relieved : he wastes away, loses 
his hair, and eventually is seized with hectic fever. 
Chi?ia, sepia and sulphur are the principal means to 
be employed in such a case. 

STRANGURY, (RETENTION OF URINE.) 

In this disease the animal feels acute pains when 
he wishes to pass urine. The urine, which he passes 
in small quantity, is sometimes clear, sometimes red, 
occasionally even bloody. The horse kicks, and seems 
disposed to lie down, but he seldom does so ; he 
shakes the tail, experiences great restlessness in the 
hind quarters, and makes, with groans, ineffectual 
efforts to empty the bladder. If it is impossible 
for the animal to stale, we should employ the means 
pointed out in the article Spasm of the bladder; 
if he succeed, we should give him acidum phosphoricum, 
Pulsatilla and nitrum, when the urine is pale as water, 
and passes off only with acute pain ; staphysagria, 
when it is reddish, and the flanks are tightly com- 
pressed ; ipecacuanha in the case of bloody urine ; 
sulphur in chronic hematuria ; acidum nitri, when 
the urine is cold. Sometimes, though rarely, it will 
be necessary to have recourse to the operation of 
cutting into the perinseum, so as to admit the in- 
troduction of a catheter into the bladder or thrusting a 
trocar through the rectum into the bladder. 



168 HEPATITIS. 



SECTION VII. 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND SPLEEN. 



JAUNDICE. 



This affection, which is not very common in horses, 
is recognized by the yellow color of the conjunctiva, 
inner surface of the lips, and the interior of the mouth. 
It is in the generality of cases symptomatic of acute 
or chronic hepatitis, is generally accompanied with 
fever ; the serum of the blood and urine are of a yellow 
tinge. It is usually accompanied with great debility, 
the appetite fails, the evacuations have a yellow tinge, 
but are more frequently clay colored. The principal 
remedies to be employed are : aconite, china, nux 
vomica, mercurius vivus, sulphur, lycopodium, bryonia, 
belladonna, mercurius, &c. See hepatitis. 

HEPATITIS. 

Less usual among horses than in horned cattle, par- 
ticularly in fatting, inflammation of the liver has a close 
resemblance to that of the spleen, which frequently 
causes these two diseases to be confounded. In hepa- 
titis the animal is suddenly struck with great depres- 
sion, he does not eat, drinks greedily, holds the head 
down, looks frequently at the right flank, which seems 
tense, and evinces great uneasiness when this part 
of the body is touched. He cannot remain lying down, 
and he limps with the off fore-leg, with which he also 
scrapes the ground frequently. He becomes consti- 
pated, his urine is yellowish, his pulse is hard and ac- 
celerated ; respiration and deglutition are attended with 



SPLENITIS. 169 

difficulty. Oftentimes, more especially when the dis- 
ease has made considerable progress, the eye, mouth, 
nostrils and tongue are observed to be yellow; the 
hair is dull in color, and erect ; gangrene comes on 
rapidly ; ascites and other dropsical swelling frequently 
accompany this disease particularly in the latter stages. 
With proper treatment we succeed in curing acute 
hepatitis in from nine to eleven days ; whilst chronic 
hepatitis often continues for entire months, and even 
longer. The treatment commences by some doses of 
aconitum, which is to be followed by nux vomica, alter- 
nately with mercurius vivus. When there are signs of 
jaundice, this is the case for employing chamomile and 
mercurius solubilis. If there be constipation, we are to 
give nux vomica and bryonia. 

SPLENITIS. 

Inflammation of the spleen which generally runs on 
to gangrene is very uncommon, and differs from most 
other acute inflammations, chiefly in the tongue being 
brownish or brown. The appetite fails entirely ; the 
pulse is at first hard, full and tense, subsequently small, 
soft, and weak. The look is fixed, the head extended 
straight forward, and when the region of the spleen is 
touched, the animal evinces evident signs of pain : his 
head is frequently directed towards the part affected. 
A dose of aconitum every ten or fifteen minutes is 
sufficient to restore health, when it is employed at the 
very moment the disease appears. If there be deep 
respiration with disturbance and restlessness of the 
whole body, we must employ belladonna alternately 
with aconitum — nux vomica, also alternately with aconi- 
tum, when the horse frequently looks towards his 
flanks. When the brownish color of the tongue 
becomes deeper, arsenicum should be given as an 
intercurrent remedy. Pulsatilla, plumbum, mezereum 
and spigelia, have also been found useful. Lauroce- 

15 



170 APHTHJE, OR THRUSH, 

rasus has succeeded almost instantaneously in an obsti- 
nate case where the pulse was small, the look fixed, 
the head directed upwards, and when the animal 
became insensible, excepting the affected part was 
touched ; however, as the preceding means had been 
already employed, there remains some doubt, whether 
they may not have contributed their share in effecting 
this rapid cure. 



SECTION VIII. 

DISEASES OF THE MOUTH, &C 



APHTHA, OR THRUSH. 

This disease of the mouth, more common in young 
horses, is not dangerous in itself, although frequently 
preventing the patient from eating. It has been caused 
by pressure and the use of a rusty bit, when small 
ulcers will be detected on examining the mouth. There 
are also observed on the parietes of the buccal cavity, 
and very often also on the tongue, inflamed patches, 
very red, and covered, some with small vesicles, and 
others with white crusts. These aphthae cause great 
pain, so that the animal allows the food to fall out of 
its mouth, even though it be of the softest kind, from 
inability to masticate. The gums are pale and devoid 
of color ; in many cases ulcers and crusts are seen 
even on the lips and nose. The principal means here 
are, phosphoric acid, staphysagria, and mercurius solu- 
bilis, the last more especially when a fetid saliva flows 
from the mouth. The ulcers of the lips and nose are 
cured by one or two doses of arsenicum and sulphur. 



CARBUNCLE ON THE TONGUE CARIES. 171 



CARBUNCLE ON THE TONGUE. 

This disease, which is very uncommon in the horse, 
but is extremely contagious, takes place when in 
typhus the miasm is thrown on the tongue, so that 
this organ is covered with small vesicles full of a turbid 
fluid, or when there supervenes a small pimple sur- 
rounded by a bluish circle. The vesicles burst and fill 
the mouth with a fetid ichor, which corrodes the 
tongue to a considerable depth ; the tumefaction of 
this latter organ goes on increasing ; corroding ulcers 
are soon produced, and the organ becoming gangre- 
nous, is detached in distinct portions ; death generally 
supervenes at the end of from twenty to thirty hours. 
For the treatment see the article typhus. 

CARIES. 

Caries is always a very serious disease, the cure of 
which is attended with great difficulties, especially 
when the aid of homoeopathy is not invoked in proper 
time. Besides the swelling, which in most cases has 
preceded it, and which often accompanies it even when 
an external wound is produced, it is observed that for 
a considerable time the diseased part is very painful 
to the touch. The principal means are asafwtida and 
silicea. Aurum (especially in caries in the head,) 
lachesis (in that of the legs,) acidum nitri, sepia, iodium 
and sulphur have also succeeded frequently. 

FISTULA ON THE NOSE. 

Fistulous ulcers in the nose, particularly in its late- 
ral parts, are not uncommon in horses. Generally 
this dangerous disease is occasioned by a wound which 
has affected even the bones. This is the reason why, 
when, after a wound in the nose, if we do not prevent 
the development of this dangerous consequence, one 
which is always to be dreaded, by having instan- 



172 GLOSSITIS - — OTITIS OZENA. 

taneous recourse to arnica and Symphytum, the bones 
become the seat of a swelling of greater or less size, 
pierced by a small opening through which a sanious 
fluid is discharged ; one of the remedies is Pulsatilla, 
several doses of which are to be given, to each of 
which we are to allow six or eight days to expend its 
action. 

GLOSSITIS. 

The chief remedies for this disease, which is of rare 
occurrence in horses, are aconitum and mercurius vivus. 
Acidum nitri is recommended when the tongue is dry, 
acidum sulphuricum in very obstinate cases ; belladonna, 
when there is swelling with redness ; arsenicum, if the 
swelling appear painful ; carbo animalis, conium, lyco- 
podium and silicea in induration of the tongue. 

OTITIS. 

When the interior of the ear is attacked with inflam- 
mation, it gives rise to considerable swelling, which 
causes great pain to the horse; he holds his head 
inclined to the affected side, and tosses it frequently. 
Aconitum and bryonia internally, and arnica extern- 
ally, are the means to which we should have recourse 
in such cases. Hepar sulphur is also has been recom- 
mended. When an abscess has been formed, we have 
recourse to arsenicum. Pulsatilla, lycopodium, sepia, 
petroleum and silicea, are useful in deep seated absces- 
ses of the meatus auditorius. 

OZENA. 

Mercurius vivus, aurum and mezereon are very bene- 
ficial in the treatment of this affection. Acidum phos- 
phoricum and arsenicum are equally suitable in erosions 
of the pituitary membrane ; squilla in pustular inflam- 
mation of this membrane ; secale cornutum when it has 
a bluish tint. 



FEVER ATTENDED WITH CHILLINESS. 173 



PAROTIDITIS. 

By this term we designate inflammation of the large 
salivary gland, situate under the ear, along the pos- 
terior edge of the jaw. The tumor, which is of con- 
siderable extent, is hot, tense and painful on pressure ; 
the animal eats and drinks with difficulty, and in some 
cases cannot feed at all ; he has high fever ; he holds 
the head stretched out in a right line, and inclines it a 
little to the healthy side. Aconitum, mercurius, sul- 
phur and lycopodium are recommended. If the tumor 
from neglect pass into suppuration, a salivary fistula is 
often produced, which is difficult of cure ; belladonna 
may then be employed. 



SECTION IX. 

FEVERS. 



FEVER ATTENDED WITH CHILLINESS. 

The cold fever announces itself by great depression, 
want of appetite, trembling of the skin, and occasion- 
ally also of the limbs, a staring coat, coldness of the 
ears, dryness of the tongue and the discharge of a small 
quantity of urine. It presents, moreover, the ordinary 
symptoms of febrile states in general, a hard and fre- 
quent pulse, a violent beating of the flanks, obstruction 
of the respiration, &c. The interval between two 
accessions has nothing regular or determinate, as in the 
intermittent fever of the human subject, and the dura- 
tion of each also varies considerably. Generally 
15* 



174 INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 

speaking, the accessions appear a little after the animal 
has drunk, and usually they manifest themselves by a 
remarkable sense of cold, which is succeeded by heat: 
however, it is not uncommon to see one or other of 
these symptoms wanting. The principal means to be 
employed are arsenicum and hryonia. The former is 
more especially suitable when the disease depends 
either on the animal having drunk cold water when he 
was heated, or on his having eaten too much, &c. It 
is indicated also when the accessions are renewed after 
the horse having drunk. Acidwn riitri should be pre- 
scribed when the febrile shivering returns at the time 
when the horse goes out of a warm stable to pass into 
the open air. Ipecacuanha is recommended in cases 
where several horses are attacked simultaneously, and 
in a manner epizootically, with febrile shivering after 
having eaten. 

INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 

We give this name to the more or less high fever 
which accompanies almost all inflammations. The 
principal remedy for fever combined with internal 
inflammations is aconitum, and when it fails, mercurius 
vivus. Arnica is the most useful for traumatic fever 
associated with external inflammations. To be sure, 
the former does not always yield to aconitum alone ; 
there is often required another medicine also to harmo- 
nize with the inflammatory state which exists in each 
particular case ; for instance, belladonna in encephalitis, 
spongia in angina, bryonia in the peripneumony and 
pneumonia, arsenicum in enteritis, cantharides in cys- 
titis and 'nephritis, &c. 

FEVER ATTENDED WITH PUTRIDITY. 

This disease, although of very infrequent occurrence 
in horses, causes great prostration of the vital forces ; 
it is always the consequence of a full developed psora. 



FEVER ATTENDED WITH PUTRIDITY. 175 

It is chiefly observed in horses which have lost much 
of their strength, which are debilitated by fatigue, by a 
deficiency, or the bad quality of their food, &c, more 
especially in time of war. The hair of an animal in 
this state begins to stare, some febrile shiverings come 
on, the pulse is accelerated, small, soft and very com- 
pressible ; the pulsations of the heart are felt with con- 
siderable strength on the left side, and sometimes also 
on the right side of the chest. The horse is dejected 
and sad, he holds his head down, and gradually loses 
all appetite. The eye is dull, generally half shut and 
bleared, mouth hot and full of saliva, ears cold, tongue 
covered with a yellowish mucus. The respiration 
short, hurried and embarrassed, breath hot and fetid ; 
fasces soft and very fetid ; the animal frequently scrapes 
with his fore-feet, but never strikes with the hind feet ; 
he lies down frequently, and at length no longer 
stands up. There gradually appear on different parts 
of the body, chiefly on the thighs, tumors containing a 
yellowish ichor. In certain cases the head is much 
swollen, the respiration difficult, as also deglutition, 
and a yellowish and fetid mucus flows from the nose 
and mouth. Prostration becomes more and more 
marked, and death occurs almost always when the 
legs swell. The disease is contagious, and conse- 
quently requires the most prompt separation and seclu- 
sion of the animal affected. At the onset of the putrid 
fever, ipecacuanha is administered, then at the end of 
one or two days arsenicum. When the disease is fully 
developed, the principal remedy to be employed is 
natrum muriaticum, which, in the time of an epidemic, 
it would be serviceable for healthy horses to take once 
or twice a week, as a preservative. If, notwithstand- 
ing a commencement of improvement, there still re- 
mains much debility, we have recourse to china, at the 
same time that we must employ thuja for the tumors 
which are suppurating. Sulphur, continued for a long 



176 TUBERCULOUS FEVER. 

time (one dose per day,) then produces the best 
effects. 

TRAUMATIC FEVER. 

Traumatic fever arises sympathetically from local 
irritation ; there appears much difference in horses as 
to nervous irritability, the slightest wound affecting 
some, and bringing on sympathetic fever, whilst 
others, on the contrary, appear but slightly affected, 
although the injury they received may have been very 
severe. Arnica is the principal remedy. 

TUBERCULOUS FEVER. 

This disease, which I have not yet observed in all its 
development, manifests itself in the following manner : 
the animal falls sick suddenly, and tubercles of greater 
or less size are seen to come out over his body, with 
defined edges, bearing considerable resemblance to 
nettle rash in the human subject, and which appear 
principally on the anterior part of the body. The 
horse trembles all over ; he is sad, loses his appe- 
tite, his eyes are filled with tears, his mouth is hot, 
salivary secretion profuse. When the disease has 
existed for a certain time, the tubercles, if they do not 
disappear suddenly, become flattened and depressed, 
and often seem to make way for oedematous swellings, 
to which is added an enormous swelling of the legs. 
This disease is frequently dangerous. We should 
always employ in its treatment, first several suc- 
cessive doses of aconitum, which lessen very much 
the size of the tubercles, and removes almost en- 
tirely the inflammatory symptoms, when the animals 
recover their appetite and resume their ordinary 
sprightliness. After aconitum, rhus toxico-dendron 
is generally administered, two doses of which given 
in the space of twenty-four hours, almost invaria- 
bly put a termination to the symptoms. When the 
affection is of long standing and the tubercles have 



INFLUENZA, OR CATARRHAL FEVER. 177 

become flattened, the best of all remedies that can be 
administered is arsenicum, more especially when the 
legs are at the same time attacked with an ccdematous 
swelling. In a similar case, where the swelling was 
brought on by cold, but where the symptoms were 
not well marked, I have employed dulcamara with 
success. See the article Verminous Affections. 

INFLUENZA, OR CATARRHAL FEVER. 

This disease is generally predominant at the spring 
or fall of the year, but mostly prevails at the latter 
period ; it has been attributed to prevalence in a 
particular season of north-easterly winds ; some have 
thought it to have been occasioned by a miasm per- 
vading a particular locality, brought on by the decom- 
position of vegetables. The symptoms are generally 
those of common fever, succeeded by catarrh, in its 
worst form, with extreme oppression and prostration 
of strength. When the disorder is ushered in by 
febrile symptoms, we should commence the treatment 
with aconite, and should the animal appear weak and 
languid, it should be followed by arsenicum. The 
other remedies to be recommended are mercurius 
vivus, causticum, phosphorus, belladonna, bryonia and 
Pulsatilla. 

STRANGLES. 

Strangles is a disease which attacks young horses 
chiefly in spring and autumn ; it is frequently observed 
after an exposure to heat or cold, under the influence 
of bad weather, or by the transition either from green 
pasture to dry food and stabling. The precursory 
symptoms are, dulness, perceptible weakness, which 
causes the animal to perspire on the slightest exertion, 
impaired appetite, redness of the pituitory membrane, 
lachrymation, and frequent dry cough. The disease 
commences usually with slight fever ; an albuminous 



178 STRANGLES, 

fluid flows from the nostrils, of a clear and limpid 
quality, which becomes thick after some days, and 
takes on the appearance of thick mucus, like cream : 
the submaxillary glands become swollen, and are hot 
and very painful to the touch : the swelling fills very 
frequently all the hollow of the lower jaw, so as to 
interfere more or less with the respiration and degluti- 
tion. There is generally a copious flow of saliva from 
the mouth, the affection appearing at first, as regards 
the symptoms, very like catarrh. In this case the 
strangles are said to be mild. In general it gets well in 
eight or fifteen days, with or without the aid of art ; 
the appetite returns, as well as his sprightliness ; the 
nasal discharge ceases gradually, and the swelling is 
resolved, or suppurates. Some doses of dulcamara 
considerably diminish the duration of this mild form 
of strangles. But very frequently the strangles presents 
itself with a more marked inflammatory character. It 
is then called acute. The pulse is hard and full : the 
respiration hurried, difficult, and accompanied with a 
great heaving of the flanks ; cough violent ; tumefaction 
of the glands considerable and painful ; the eyes secrete 
tears in abundance, and project almost always out of 
the orbits ; the eye-lids are swollen ; the mouth is hot 
and full of vicous slaver ; nose dry, and its mucous 
membrane much inflamed ; appetite gone ; on the con- 
trary, there is severe thirst ; dung small and scanty, 
and the urine, during most of the time, suppressed. 
Here we are to prescribe above everything else, two 
doses of aco?iitum, then one dose of dulcamara every 
day. If there be salivation at the same time, mercu- 
rius vivus should be employed, and if the nasal dis- 
charge persist, one dose of arsenicum should be taken. 
In cases where the ordinary means produced no effect, 
opium in considerable doses has been found very 
appropriate. If simultaneously with the swelling of 
the glands of the eye, there be also tumefaction 'of 
other parts of the head, it is good to administer a 



STRANGLES. 179 

dose of belladonna, or when the swelling is cede- 
matous, a dose of arsenicum. If after eight days the 
tumefaction has not diminished, some doses of hepar 
sulphuris (one every two hours) are prescribed, which 
soften it ; after which it disappears of its own accord, 
or at least the tumor may be readily opened. It is 
good to keep the latter warm for some time by 
covering it with sheep-skin or flannel. It would be best 
to allow the animal to drink water with the chill off. 
Very often also we have to treat masked strangles, in 
which there is no discharge by the nose, but merely the 
respiration is short, hurried, and a little stertorous ; in 
such a case we should employ some doses of belladonna 
and then arsenicum. When the strangles has lasted 
for a long time, has been neglected, when the horse 
has been exposed to cold, or badly cured, the glands 
form a spherical mass, which is hard and indolent ; the 
nasal discharge assumes a bad color, it acquires a fetid 
odor, it becomes viscous and flocculent, it forms 
thick scabs at the edge of the nostrils ; the pituitory 
membrane is pale, livid, and covered with small ulcers ; 
the disease then obtains the name of malignant strangles 
just as we say false strangles or strangles driven in, 
when there is tumefaction of the belly, swelling of the 
limbs, &c. Malignant strangles are scarcely ever 
observed, except in very weak horses, exhausted in 
consequence of bad food or excessive fatigue, more 
especially those in which psora has attained a high 
degree of development. This is an obstinate disease, 
near akin to glanders, which is not easily distinguished 
from the latter, and which terminates frequently in 
glanders, properly so called, or in putrid fever. Here 
the medicines above mentioned no longer suffice. 
Hepar sulphuris (one dose every six hours) almost 
always produces the opening of the hard tumor which 
accompanies the disease. Beladonna and spiritus 
sulphuris have more than once brought about this result. 
If these means fail, we must then employ the baryta 



180 TYPHUS. 

carbonica, in repeated doses. Pulsatilla and sulphur 
are always very serviceable in counteracting nasal dis- 
charges of a bad character. Sulphur in frequently 
repeated doses (two or three per week) and, above all, 
arsenicum are the chief medicines to be employed, when 
the mucous membrane of the nose is inflamed and ulce- 
rated. The fever which frequently accompanies stran- 
gles resembles what has been called cold fever ; but it 
differs from it principally in the lesser intensity of the 
cold, and the great intensity of the heat which then su- 
pervenes. The dull appearance and erect state of the 
hair, the coldness of the ears, the disturbance of vision, 
and the albuminous character of the saliva, are the chief 
characters of this slight fever. When it accompanies 
swelling of the glands, the substances indicated for the 
treatment of strangles properly so called suffice to 
remove it, but it sometimes comes on without well 
marked symptoms of strangles : we should then have 
recourse to some doses of aconitum, and to one dose 
of dulcamara, or, if there be salivation, to mercurius 
vivus, which soon removes it. It is not rare to meet, 
in consequence of latent strangles, or merely from 
neglected strangles, a swelling of the salivary glands, 
often even of the parotids, which, when it is not very 
great, yields to dulcamara, sometimes even to aurum 
or argentum. "When the swelling is still greater, 
hepar sulphuris is to be employed (three doses a day), 
or spiritus sulphuratus, or belladonna. Baryta has 
been found useful in certain obstinate cases. Arseni- 
cum is indicated when after opening the tumor, round 
ulcers have remained with hard and everted edges. 

TYPHUS. 

Typhus is infinitely more uncommon in horses than 
in horned cattle and swine ; however it is sometimes 
observed to occur during the heat of summer. The 
following is an account of the symptoms produced by 



TYPHUS. 181 

it ; the disease is often ushered in by depression of 
spirits ; then it is observed that the eyes become dull 
and fixed ; the breathing is deeper than usual ; the 
animal moans ; the throat is hot ; the tongue covered 
with a white coating ; the ears cold, as also the feet ; 
there is a loss of appetite, or great greediness, and 
grinding of the teeth ; the breath is cold and fetid ; 
a badly colored mucus flows from the nose ; gurg- 
lings are heard in the abdomen ; sometimes the hind- 
legs swell, or there comes on either on the belly, or 
on the fore part of the chest, slight swellings which 
enlarge or disappear with rapidity, an occurrence soon 
followed by death. There also appear on the inner 
part of the thighs, vesicles or pustules, which discharge 
a bloody serum : blood flows from the nose, always 
an alarming sign, for the horses soon fall down dead. 
The head is carried very low : the feet are crowded 
in beneath the belly, the hair is erect : heat alternates 
with cold, then a burning heat comes on ; the skin 
trembles, a cold, clammy sweat appears ; the eyes 
become red ; the sense of hearing is diminished ; the 
abdomen becomes tympanitic and tense. A clammy 
mucus collects in the corner of the eyes ; brown, 
blackish, bloody mucous fluids flow from the nose, 
and a fetid ichor from the rectum. The tremblings of 
the skin and the symptoms go on increasing ; there is 
frequently a swelling beneath the lower jaw, on the 
chest, on the legs, on the back and buttocks. The 
swelling of the head sometimes increases very much, 
and so much so as to render the animal deformed ; 
mastication and deglutition are now impossible. The 
limbs are paralyzed, when the swelling attacks them. 
In some animals symptoms of encephalitis or vertigo 
are observed ; they protrude the body forwards inces- 
santly, rest their heads on the rack, stamp, or strike 
with their feet, or are constantly plunged into a state 
of stupor ; and others evince signs of colic with con- 
stipation, they scrape with their feet, roll themselves^ 
16 



182 TYPHUS. 

are melancholy, and swell in various parts. Some 
experience much difficulty in breathing, and have a 
heavy and painful cough. The slightest pressure on 
the abdominal region is very painful to them, and in- 
creases the cough ; they are unable to lie down ; a 
deep furrow or gutter is observable along the false 
ribs at each inspiration : new eruptions and tumefac- 
tions come on ; corroding ulcers form on the tongue. 
Among the predominant signs of typhus in horses 
there is noticed a reddish discharge from the nose, 
which has given to the disease the name of acute glan- 
ders. The pulse is small, weak and very much hurried, 
(from seventy to eighty). The blood is blackish, the 
veins are much swollen, and the pulsations of the heart 
are almost imperceptible. As death approaches, there 
is almost always observed a bloody discharge from the 
anus and a reddish discharge around the nostrils. The 
typhus follows a rapid or slow course.. In the first 
case, where it terminates fatally, in twenty-four hours 
at most, the precursory signs are cold in the legs, 
chiefly in the fore-legs, coldness in the ears, and a 
somewhat staggering walk in the hind quarters ; it 
commences with a violent trembling ; the animal 
shivers, feels great distress, his breathing is rapid and* 
difficult, he coughs, throws himself on the ground, and 
alternately remains quiet and sad, as if struck with 
stupor, or appears in his movements as a horse affected 
with vertigo, or evinces colicky pains accompanied 
with constipation, rolls himself and swells in different 
points. The reddish discharge from the nose is here 
a predominant symptom. Death takes place amid 
convulsions, often with distension of the neck. In the 
other case, where death, supervening amidst symptoms 
of the acute state, seldom delays more than seven, 
days, the precursors more or less perceptible, are : 
deficiency of vital heat all over the body, chiefly in 
the extremities, dejection and sadness, slowness in 
eating, with grinding of the teeth, and deep breathing. 



TYPHUS. 183 

When the disease breaks out, some animals do not 
eat at all ; others retain their appetite even to the last 
moment ; they totter and tremble, amidst general 
febrile shivering and a burning heat, and the symp- 
toms enumerated in the acute form are observed to 
appear. Generally in the slow form (never in the 
acute), there come on in different parts of the body, 
tumors or carbuncles, sometimes diffused and crepi- 
tating when the hand is pressed on them, sometimes 
circumscribed. These tumors, at first very small, 
are frequently developed with great rapidity ; they are 
hard, cold, occasionally also lardaceous, spongy and 
hot. Their seat and number vary : however, there 
generally appears but one. When this tumor disap- 
pears, death takes place suddenly. Sometimes it 
opens of itself, and a reddish sanies escapes from it. 
The livid edges of the ulcer are hard and everted ; 
the inner substance of the tumor is spongy, fibrous 
and lardaceous. Homoeopathy, when applied in time, 
frequently cures the disease with promptitude. The 
remedy employed for this purpose is arsenicum. When 
the precursory symptoms of typhus are observed, one 
or two doses are given, which in general suffice. If 
the disease is already developed, we should repeat 
the medicine every ten minutes or every quarter of an 
hour, until a perfect cure is established. Considerable 
benefit is obtained also from anthrax in very many 
cases. 



184 ATROPHY EMACIATION. 

SECTION X, 

GENERALITIES. 



ATROPHY, 



Atrophy, or diminution in the size of the fleshy 
parts, depends chiefly on want of activity in the nerves 
and vessels of a part of the body occasioned by some 
morbid state of the system. The regions of the body 
where this wasting is most frequently observed are the 
shoulders, the flanks and the legs. In the treatment 
of this, arnica, china, arsenicum, sulphur, rhus toxico- 
dendron, and sepia have been recommended. 

EMACIATION. 

Sometimes emaciation is the consequence of some 
internal disease, particularly chronic affections of the 
lungs or liver, and one of the constant symptoms of 
different morbid states ; sometimes it constitutes a 
physiological rather than a pathological state ; for very 
frequently the general emaciation, which may be often 
observed, is accompanied by no appreciable disturb- 
ance in the functions. When it depends on internal 
causes, which interfere with the function of nutrition, 
a general state of debility is at the same time seen to 
take place. The principal means to be employed in 
such cases are, arsenicum, nux vomica, china, when 
the debility is great ; Pulsatilla, (in that affection called 
hungry-evil) ; and when the state now lasts for some 
time, tinctura sulphuris, magnesia, carhonica, petroleum, 
iodium, lycopodium and sulphur. Compare the article 
Phtisis Pulmonalis or Marasmus, which must not be 



BURSAL ENLARGEMENTS. 185 

confounded with emaciation. Emaciation is also 
observed as a local symptom of diminution of the 
nervous action : it is then called atrophy. 

BURSAL ENLARGEMENTS 

Are generally indolent swellings, which come on in 
the joints or tendinous sheaths of the legs. These 
tumors are situated on the lateral parts of the hock. 
That at the point of the hock is called capulet or capped 
hock ; on the sides, so that by pressure on one side it 
increases the size of the other, it is then termed 
thoroughpin ; the swelling on the interior and anterior 
part of the hock is called bog spavin, which frequently 
becomes enormously distended ; those situate on the 
sides of the legs just above the fetlock are called wind- 
galls ; they secrete a fluid of a pale straw color, nearly 
like the white of an egg ; when the distention has 
existed for some time, they are quite incurable. Gen- 
erally speaking, these affections seldom cause lame- 
ness : but when the tumor becomes hard and much 
distended, it may occasion lameness, and render the 
animal unfit for service. In the very recent windgalls 
of the simple form, arnica and rhus toxicodendron, 
internally and externally, are the chief remedies. 
Lycopodium and arsenicum are also much recom- 
mended, and when the affection is of long standing, 
indigo, kepar sulphuris and sepia. The following 
remedies are recommended in the order in Avhich I 
enumerate them ; in the treatment of windgalls : arnica, 
belladonna, pusatilla, thuja and ledum. At times it is 
cured by means of rhus toxicodendron, which may be 
followed by ledum after some time. 

SWELLING AND OSSIFICATION OF THE 
BONES. 

The diseases of the bones, more especially their 
tumefaction, which are more common in the horse 
16* 



186 CRIB BITING. 

than in other domestic animals, depend, for the most 
part, on some internal, deep seated affection, and are 
much more dangerous than those of the skin and of 
the fleshy parts, inasmuch as they generally involve 
caries, the cure of which is so difficult. The principal 
remedies to be employed are : mercurius vivus, acidum 
phosphoricum, angustura and silicea, but above all, 
sulphur, (in multiple doses,) then car bo animalis, and, 
in obstinate cases, ammonium carbonicum. The osse- 
ous tumors which result from external lesions are 
treated with arnica, or, still better, with Symphytum, 
and in certain cases, also with conium. If the disease 
be of long standing, sulphur, as consecutive treatment, 
always yields the greatest benefits. If a swelling 
forms above the affected part, four doses of hepar sul- 
phuris are sufficient to bring about an opening of the 
abscess in the space of twenty-four hours. 

CRIB BITING. 

The term is applied to the bad habit which some 
horses have whilst eating, or after having eaten, of 
biting the manger or any other solid body, and so 
making a peculiar sort of noise. The effect of this 
vicious habit is to wear out the anterior edges of the 
teeth, and induces flatulency. Besides this defect, 
there is another, in which the animal does not crib, 
but merely balances the head and body, first on one 
fore leg, then on the other. Crib biting is generally 
the consequence of a disease of the stomach, and indi- 
cates a disturbance of digestion. This accounts for 
the state of emaciation into which horses thus affected 
eventually fall. Nux vomica and arsenicum are the 
principal remedies to be employed. It has been 
remarked that young horses placed beside an old one 
affected in this way, are liable to contract this habit 
by imitation. In such cases it will almost always 
suffice to keep out of their way every object against 
which they could crib. 



FARCY, 187 



FARCY. 



Farcy depends on the same causes as glanders, and 
like it j propagates itself by contagion, so that we may 
see in it a particular form of disease, which instead of 
attacking the internal parts, as is the case wiih glan- 
ders, attacks in preference the surface of the body, 
where it occasions the appearance of tubercles and 
ulcerations. There is a great number of round ulcers, 
or what is commonly termed farcy buds, which are 
developed on different parts of the body, at first gen- 
erally on the interior of the thighs, along the course of 
the lymphatics. These pimples are at first very small, 
hard and indolent ; by degrees they enlarge, become 
inflamed, open, and then form small round holes, from 
which there is discharged an ichorous pus, and from 
which escape shreds of brown flesh. The animal 
suffers very much ; he loses appetite, and becomes 
emaciated ; the hair falls off; the mucous membrane 
of the nose is pale and yellowish. Occasionally, the 
horse is attacked with glanders or putrid fever, and 
dies at the end of two, three or six months, and often 
sooner. The cure is to be attempted by the same 
means as that of glanders. Hippozeninum, arsenicum, 
sulphur, and asafaztida are the means to be employed. 

In the 10th regiment of cuirassiers, dulcamara was 
found a specific by M. Leblanc, a French veterinary 
surgeon, who has cured with this medicine a great 
number of horses affected with farcy. 

Case from the Zooiasis of Lux. — A Hungarian 
horse, six years old, covered all over with farcy, had 
been treated a long time after the allopathic manner 
with mercury, sulphur, antimony, &c, when it was at 
length determined to put him under homoeopathic 
treatment. Appetite still good ; eyes dull ; viscous 
discharge in the inner angles of the eyes ; small hard 
tumors beneath the lower jaw; yellowish discharge 



188 . FATIGUE. 

from the nose ; body entirely covered with tubercles 
and ulcers of a pale yellow or reddish color, whence 
escaped a fetid ichor, which matted the hairs. Six 
drops of the fifth dynamization of arsenicum were pre- 
scribed, and the animal was washed several times 
every day with cold water. At the end of six days 
the glands of the lower jaw were less hard, and 
instead of the putrid ichor the ulcers discharged 
healthy pus. Five days after, eight drops of the 
eighteenth dynamization of toxicodendron, because the 
improvement did not progress. This medicine pro- 
duced no effect during five days allowed to declare its 
action. The arsenicum was then resumed, in the same 
dose as at first ; thenceforward the condition of the 
animal went on improving every day. At the end of 
a month, almost all the ulcers were removed ; the 
glands of the jaw were quite healthy, and all that 
remained on the skin were a few pimples, which 
yielded to several doses of hepar sidphuris. 

FATIGUE. 

After great fatigue, severe running, &c, there fre- 
quently come on in horses symptoms which are any- 
thing but insignificant, and frequently endanger the 
horse's life. One of the most usual consequences of 
excessive weariness is loss of appetite. The animal, 
when oats are presented to him, does not notice 
them, and at most eats only a little hay. Nux vomica 
tends to restore the appetite. We should have re- 
course to the same means when a horse, accustomed 
to slight Work, does not lie down to rest after some 
additional labor has been exacted from him, but 
remains with his head down, and sleeps in the erect 
posture, without attempting to eat. If the animal 
have been driven beyond the ordinary time of his 
work, so that the symptoms seem attributable to vora- 
cious appetite, we should in such case have recourse to 



FORGING. . ■ 189 

aconitum and veratrum album, and when at each move- 
ment there is heard a plaintive moan, rhus toxicoden- 
dron should be administered. Cannabis is also a 
valuable remedy in cases of great fatigue. Opium 
is useful, when after being very much fatigued, the 
horse remains dull, with his head hanging, pulse slow 
and weak, the fatigue having occasioned some disturb- 
ance in his digestion. If, on the contrary, the pulse 
is quick and hard, and the animal is in a state of 
great excitement, aconitum should be given. Arnica 
is useful in case of palsy of the legs from excessive 
fatigue ; rhus toxicodendron in swelling of the legs ; 
arsenicum, when the legs are stiff. After fatigue from 
severe work, such as hunting, the animals when dis- 
tressed should not be allowed too much food, on the 
contrary, but little, and that easy of digestion, such as 
bran and mash, with steamed carrots or turnips, and 
about two quarts of oats, soaked, mixed together, and 
some sweet hay, well shaken up and sprinkled with 
water ; the drink should consist of boiled oatmeal and 
warm water, the digestive organs being from over 
exertion in a debilitated state. 

The majority of hunters when excessively tired lose 
their appetite ; thick gruel should then be administered 
to them in small quantities. 

FORGING. 

Horses who are a little heavy in the head, neck or 
shoulders, or who have the buttocks too high with 
respect to the withers, or who, with a weak back 
have the lumbar region too long, often strike when 
trotting with the toe of the hind feet the shoes 
of the fore-feet, which exposes them to the danger 
of losing a shoe, and also of injuring themselves: 
they are said to forge. This is sometimes the 
fault of the rider, who, whilst quickening the horse's 
pace, lets free the head ; the fore-legs then rise 



190 GLANDERS. 

somewhat too slowly, and are met by the hind legs 
before they are properly extended. We should employ 
the concave shoes in the fore-feet, and let the toes 
of the hind feet project over the shoes, the toes 
of which should be thin. The injuries which such 
a horse may inflict on himself require only the ex- 
ternal application of arnica water. 

GLANDERS. 

Contagious in the highest degree, and hitherto 
declared incurable. Glanders is one of the diseases 
of the horse which is most dreaded. It is charac- 
terized by a discharge from the nose, and in general 
from a single nostril, of a purulent, grumous mucus, 
which adheres to the edges of the part, and forms 
there thick crusts of a yellowish green color. This 
discharge, occasionally green or bloody, emits like 
the breath an extremely fetid odor. It is accom- 
panied by induration of the submaxillary glands. The 
eye of the same side sometimes discharges a viscid 
mucus, which collects in considerable quantity in the 
inner angle. The pituitary membrane is either pale 
or of a deep and bluish red color, with red points 
or strise, and traversed with ulcerations which secrete 
a bloody ichor, and bleed, however slightly touched. 
These ulcers, which may be considered as the most 
certain sign of glanders, owe their origin to small 
pustules full of serum, which burrow, corrode the 
surrounding parts, and sometimes form several distinct 
ulcerations, sometimes one single ulcer, extended and 
deep. Though this disgusting disease may spare the 
animal's life for several months, it always terminates 
in death, destroying the bones of the nose, producing 
tubercles and ulcers in the lungs, swelling of the 
legs, and hectic fever. The chief remedy is hippo- 
zeninum, one or two doses every week. Arsenicum, 
(one dose each day), is a good remedy if the disease 
be not too far advanced. Sulphur, arsenicum and 



RABIES. 191 

lycopodium are useful in the treatment of cutaneous 
tubercles, which often precede the appearance of 
glanders, of which however we must not consider 
them as a certain precursory sign. If, as frequently 
happens, there exist farcy pimples, arsenicum and 
asafwtida, alternately with arsenicum, yield great 
service, more especially when the pus is of bad 
quality. 

HEMORRHAGE, 

Hemorrhages are discharges of blood which take 
place from some part or other of the body, after 
the rupture or injury of a vessel. Those produced 
by external lesions are checked by compresses 
soaked in arnica or millefolium water. When a 
vessel of considerable size has been torn, we must 
secure it by ligature. In the partial division 
of an artery by accidental circumstances, the best 
way is to completely divide it, both ends will then 
contract, and in a little time the hemorrhage will 
cease. To prevent the supervention of traumatic fever, 
arnica is to be given, and china should also be given to 
combat the debility resulting from profuse loss of 
blood. 

RABIES. 

Rabies occasioned by the bite of a mad dog is one 
of the most formidable diseases which can affect the 
horse or other animals. Too often all our efforts 
are unavailing in preventing its rightful effects, and 
it is not one of the least services derived from ho- 
moeopathy that it has in some cases cured both man 
and animals. The horse which has been bitten by 
a mad dog, whose tooth often scarcely grazes the 
skin, after some time appears sad, with the head 
down and the eyes closed, and evinces not the least 
appetite for food. The ears, mouth and legs are cold, 



192 RHEUMATISM. 

the hair bristled, and a slight shiver runs from time 
to time over the skin. Violent convulsions come on, 
a mucous discharge takes place from the mouth, the 
animal rolls himself along the ground, and stands up 
immediately, the pupil is very much dilated, the eye 
fixed, the look furious. At length, after much rest- 
lessness, the horse remains stretched along the ground, 
incessantly beating his legs and head, even to his 
death, which takes place on the sixth or seventh day, 
in the midst of frightful convulsions. The homoeopa- 
thic treatment of this formidable disease is simple, and 
at times effectual. The wound is to be washed care- 
fully, as soon as ever it can be done, and it is then to 
be covered with compresses soaked in water, to which 
there have been added some drops of extract of bella- 
donna. From three to four drops of belladonna are 
then to be administered internally, and this dose to 
be repeated every eight days, for at least six weeks, 
constantly continuing the external treatment, until all 
trace of the wound has disappeared, which often hap- 
pens from the second to the third day. To Hering 
we are indebted for a remedy which acts with still 
greater promptitude and with no less certainty. This 
is hydrophobine, one dose of w T hich is to be given every 
two days, to be continued for eight or fifteen days. 
When a mad dog has rushed into the midst of a num- 
ber of horses or colts, several of which he has bitten, 
without its being known precisely which, a thing which 
is often impossible to discover, the entire number must 
be subjected to the treatment now mentioned. 

RHEUMATISM. 

Rheumatic pains in the limbs are indicated chiefly 
by attacks of sudden lameness, which affect one part 
or other, and which sometimes supervene during a 
state of repose, and yield to motion, at times they 
break out of a sudden during motion and disappear in 



SUPPURATION. 193 

the state of rest. Acidwm nitri, nux vomica and sul- 
phur are the means to be employed. Frequently the 
rheumatism commences by febrile shivering, which is 
succeeded by general and prolonged heat ; he moves 
with difficulty, and keeps his feet crowded beneath his 
abdomen : the hoofs are then usually hot and painful. 
Some doses of aconitum, followed by one or other of 
the medicines recommended in the article Founder, 
must be prescribed in such cases. It happens some- 
times that notwithstanding the employment of the 
appropriate remedies, the disease does not abate : then 
rather strong doses of bryonia are to be administered, 
(six to eight drops of the fourth dynamization,) fol- 
lowed by rhus and sulphur. 

SUPPURATION. 

Pus is indisputably the best topical application : 
elaborated by the vital force in the wound, it serves 
chiefly to disintegrate the particles which have been 
contused or otherwise injured, to effect the elimi- 
nation of foreign bodies, such as splinters, &c, and 
to dispose the edges of the wound to unite by means 
of fleshy granulations. It is a great mistake then 
to wish to remove it ; it diminishes of itself according 
as the granulations have acquired sufficient consistence 
to form the tissue of a cicatrix. No doubt to 
fulfil its destination, it has need to be of good quality. 
The case where its characters are not such as they 
should be is the only one wherein art should interfere, 
as well to facilitate the cure of the wound itself 
as to secure and preserve the adjoining parts. The 
means to which we are then to have recourse are : 
arnica, internally and externally, in wounds, &c, of 
every kind : mercurius vivus and asafoetida, in ulcers 
which secrete a liquid and fetid pus ; arsenicum, in 
such as have hard and everted edges, with pain, in- 
flammation and pus of bad odor ; chamomilla, sepia 

17 



194 WILD LOOK BRUISE OF THE SOLE. 

and arsenicum, when granulations grow up too luxu- 
riant ; silicea, when the pus is thick and of bad color ; 
acidum phosphoricum, when after a wound, the skin 
contracts adhesion to the bone. 

WILD LOOK. 

Wildness of look is a symptom occurring in differ- 
ent diseases, and one which merits serious attention 
every time it is carried to an extreme degree. Bella- 
donna, opium, stramonium, and arsenicum are then 
indicated, under the head of intercurrent remedies, 
which are to associate with those required by the gen- 
eral state of the animal affected. 



SECTION XI 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 



BRUISE OF THE SOLE. 

When a horse has lost one of his shoes, and he 
continues to walk on a hard and dry road, the sole 
becomes bruised and painful, which makes him limp 
more or less. This injury readily yields to a few 
doses of arnica internally, but a poultice must be 
prepared, of boiling water and bran, first mixing some 
tincture of arnica in the water, and let it be put in a 
leather boot, in which the affected foot should be 
placed ; and when the sole is very painful, so that the 
animal is afraid to put his foot to the ground, benefit 
may be derived from arsenicum and acidum phospho- 
ricum. Rhus toxicodendron is indicated if lameness 
supervenes. Lux has employed belladonna when the 



CONTRACTION OF THE HOOF. 195 

foot was wounded in the shoeing : it is unnecessary 
to say that the latter must, in this case, be changed. 

CONTRACTION OF THE HOOF. 

A deformity of the hoof, which consists in a nar- 
rowing of the heels, and causes compression of the 
sensible parts, more particularly of the heels and 
sensible frogs: it generally produces lameness, and is 
frequently attendant on disease of the navicular joint. 
The causes are numerous; the principal ones are : a 
want of sufficient moisture and pressure, too long 
standing in the stable, rapid travelling on the hard 
roads, when the feet become heated from the pressure 
occasioned by the weight of the animal being thrown 
on the laminse, the sensible frogs, the inferior and 
lateral cartilages, &c. This frequently, in summer, is 
the cause of laminitis; and three cases of this latter 
disease took place whilst the animals were worked, 
when under the influence of cathartic medicine, which 
had been administered by the attendants in mistake for 
other balls, proving the sympathy existing between the 
feet and the stomach, or intestines, when a pre-dispos- 
ing cause was also operating, namely— the feverish 
state of the feet. The hoof should be kept moist by 
means of a cloth, cut out to the proper shape, and tied 
round the pastern with a piece of tape ; it should 
frequently be saturated with cold water, in which some 
tincture of rhus toxicodendron has been mixed ; the 
quarters should be rasped thin, and cut down, so as to 
give the frog a bearing on the ground when the shoe 
is off. The seat of the shoe should be levelled out- 
wards, giving the quarters a tendency to expand. The 
feet should always be stuffed with a pad of tow, dip- 
ped in water, which low will last for months, if taken 
out when the horse is required for use. It forms a 
clean and good method of stopping for general use, 
there being always a degree of pressure ; and if the 
feet are hot, it should be taken out, wetted, and re- 



196 FOUNDER. 

placd two or three times a day. It will easily be kept 
in by splitting a thin piece of cane, and putting it 
across the sole of the foot, under each side of the shoe. 
A mixture of seal-oil and tar renders the hoof tough, 
and prevents the brittleness that lack of moisture is at 
times apt to occasion. 

FOUNDER. 

Founder, which consists in an inflammation of the 
tendons, muscles, articular ligaments, and even of the 
extremities of the bones, and of the lamina? of the 
foot, ordinarily attacks the fore-feet ; rarely, and only 
in the severest cases, the hind-feet are affected. It is 
observed particularly in horses that have been fed on 
indigestible and heating food, particularly when they 
do not take sufficient exercise. Another cause is 
excessive fatigue, and sudden exposures to cold. It 
frequently supervenes on hard riding, or driving ; and 
more especially if the horse has had a purgative admin- 
istered, from which cause I recollect three well-marked 
cases ; it is, at times, not the primary, but the secon- 
dary affection by metastasis, of inflammation of some 
vital organ — particularly the lungs and intestines. 
There are also accounts where it has supervened from 
the stress on the laminoe of the feet of horses, having 
stood on board a ship during long voyages. Founder 
is generally accompanied with fever; the animal is 
melancholy, he refuses to eat, is stiff in his movements, 
frequently he cannot raise his limbs without evincing 
acute pain, he trails his feet along with considerable 
difficulty, so that one cannot readily make him go for- 
wards, whilst it is still more difficult to back him. In 
the stable, horses so affected approximate the four feet 
to each other, and there is no little difficulty in making 
them relinquish this attitude. The treatment varies 
with the cause. 

1. Founder by sudden exposure to cold. — Aconitum, 
when there is paralysis, with inflammatory symptoms ; 



FOUNDER. 197 

arsenicum, when febrile shiverings come on after the 
animal has taken cold drink ; bryonia, a capital 
remedy in all affections occasioned by cold, and one 
that is specific in paralysis of the legs, provided it be 
employed in time ; veratrum, in cold after violent 
exercise; staphysagria, when, independently of the 
other symptoms, there is a trembling of the body, and 
the feet rise alternately; conium, in paralysis of the 
knees; rhus toxicodendron, when there are severe 
pains in the feet; arsenicum, when the sole is painful ; 
aconitum, (alternately with nux vomica), petroleum, 
and thuja, when the affection is of long standing. 

2. Founder by excess of fatigue. — Aconitum, if the 
horse stops quite short, makes deep inspirations, has 
his breath hot, and pulse accelerated ; opium, when he 
holds the head low, and the legs widely separated, 
and the pulse is weak ; coffoea cruda, in the same 
case, if opium has failed ; rhus toxicodendron, an ex- 
cellent remedy when the feet are painful ; arnica, in 
rigidity of the legs, with inflammation of the sensible 
part of the feet ; nux vomica, when the abdomen is 
squeezed up, and the animal refuses to eat ; china, 
when the feet are cold. If a little delay has been 
made, and inflammation of the foot has already taken 
place, and in consequence a violent fever, some doses 
of aconitum are to be administered without delay, 
which should be followed by rhus toxicodendron, and 
the hoofs are to be enveloped in cloths soaked in 
arnica water. 

3. Founder from excess of food. — Aconitum is the 
remedy for this. If signs of inflammation are observed, 
a dose of aconitum is immediately prescribed, and 
after some hours, arsenicum is to be employed. Arnica 
may be administered in case of rigidity of the limbs, 
and inflammation of the feet ; bryonia, in doses fre- 
quently repeated in hydarthrus ; nux vomica, when 
there is paralysis, abdomen tucked up, and an aversion 
to food. The symptoms sometimes warrant us in 

17* 



198 FOUNDER. 

having recourse to the means indicated in the preced- 
ing paragraphs. 

In chronic founder, some doses of sulphur must be 
prescribed : the remedies indicated by the exciting 
cause, will then act better and more expeditiously. 
When the disease has been wholly neglected, and 
alteration of structure has already supervened in the 
feet, we can scarcely any longer reckon on a favorable 
issue ; however, even then we have often seen arseni- 
curn, arnica, and petroleum, produce a perceptible im- 
provement. 

Further, as it is not uncommon for different inflam- 
mations to break forth after founder, consult the arti- 
cles Inflammation, Inflammatory Fever, &c. 

Case by Genzke, taken from the Zooiasis of Lux. — 
A horse who had fed well in the morning, and after- 
wards appeared very lively among the other horses, 
began, towards eleven o'clock, to become very stiff, 
after having had a violent shivering. When brought 
back to the stable he refused to eat, and evinced a 
feeling of great pain in the feet. I found him with his 
head depressed, alternately raising the two fore-feet, 
which he laid down softly to the ground ; the hind- 
legs were brought under the abdomen, to diminish the 
weight of the body on the fore-feet — a circumstance 
which proved that the pains were seated chiefly in 
the latter. Slight pressure on the coronet was painful, 
and the animal could not bear one of the feet to 
be raised for a short time, because the pain then 
became increased in the other. The hoofs were hot, 
especially at the toe ; pulse hard and full, though 
little accelerated ; eyes projecting a little ; conjunctiva 
very red, as well as the mucous membrane of the nose ; 
respiration hurried, with the nostrils widely dilated, 
and laborious movements of the abdominal muscles ; 
breath hot ; the animal had but one alvine evacuation, 
and what he then passed consisted of hard, dark- 
colored lumps; the urine voided, at the same time, 



SAND-CRACK. 199 

was of a deep brown tint. The appetite was consid- 
erably diminished ; the animal did not touch the corn, 
he merely took a few bits of hay ; he readily drank 
some warm bran and water, which I had placed before 
him ; if he was forced to move, he did so with a groan, 
and carefully avoiding to rest on his toes. As the 
most important symptoms were to be found among 
the primary effects of aconitum, I administered four 
drops of the first dilution mixed with flour ; I forbade 
the use of oats, and prescribed warm bran-water. 
Since evening, there was some improvement ; the 
respiration was less hurried, and his look was im- 
proved ; he took his hay with a little more appetite ; 
but the pains in the feet did not seem to have dimin- 
ished. I made him take a second dose. The next 
day the breathing was almost natural; more redness 
in the conjunctiva ; the animal had had several evacu- 
ations from the bowels, and ate, during the night, all 
the hay in the manger ; the pains were much dimin- 
ished, and his movements freer. I ordered a little 
food to be given him, which he took greedily. On 
going away, I left two more doses of aconite. The 
third day I ascertained that the animal was quite 
recovered; he had a dry cough, but this yielded in a 
few days to a dose of nux vomica. 

SAND-CRACK. 

This term is applied to fissures in the hoof in the 
direction of its fibres, when it is dry and fragile. 
Horses that are most subject to sand-crack are those 
with thin hoofs, and where they are kept a long time 
standing in a dry hot stable, where moisture is seldom 
applied to the hoof; others there are that the secretion 
of horn is insufficient ; the inner quarter of the fore 
and the toe of the hind feet are the parts most liable 
to sand-crack ; it is necessary to use the firing iron at 
the top and bottom of the crack to prevent the exten- 



200 THRUSH WOUNDS OF THE FOOT. 

sion, then place a strap round the hoof, having made 
some adhesive plaster to be laid on lint and strapped 
over the crack to prevent the insinuation of dirt. 
Oftentimes the crack is but superficial, and does not 
extend to the sensible parts ; in other cases, it pene- 
trates more deeply and causes considerable lameness. 
The means most, recommended are : arnica, phospho- 
rus, sepia, silicea, squilia, and sulphur. 

THRUSH. 

This disease is frequently met with in horses where 
proper attention and cleanliness are not observed, 
or those lying on dirty moist litters, and also 
horses that have contracted feet. It consists in the 
oozing of an ichorous, extremely fetid discharge 
through the cleft of the frog, sometimes accompanied 
Avith deformity of the latter and inducing lameness, by 
being bruised on stones, &c. Spirilus sulphuratus is 
useful in this affection; but we must not neglect to 
keep the horse in a dry place, and to attend to the 
cleanliness of the foot. Acidum phorphoricum has 
been used with success. Lachesis and creosote are 
also useful remedies. 

WOUNDS OF THE FOOT. 

As soon as a nail, a shell, thorn, splinter, &c, has 
penetrated the sole of a horse's foot, and the foreign 
body remains therein, the immediate consequence is 
that the injured part becomes inflamed, and by 
degree passes into suppuration, a circumstance which 
will cause the animal to limp very much. There is 
often some difficulty in discovering the matter, because 
the hoof sometimes contracts and closes over the 
foreign body, so as completely to conceal it. The first 
thing to be done when the seat of lameness is discov- 
ered, is to freely use the drawing knife, and cut the 
horn away from the injured parts so as to completely 



LAMENESS FROM THE PRICK OF A NAIL. 201 

evacuate the pus, should it have gone on to suppura- 
tion ; and fomentations of arnica water are to be 
applied. It is necessary also to prescribe some doses 
of arnica internally. If there exist acute inflamma- 
tion, aconilum and squilla are found useful, just as 
acidum phosphoricum and arsenicum are in the case of 
acute pain. When suppuration has commenced, 
mercurius or kepar sulphur is should be used ; carbo 
vegetabilis, calcarea, and silicea are also useful reme- 
dies. If the wound has degenerated into an ulcer, it 
is to be treated like other ulcers, chiefly with squilla, 
arsenicum and sulphur ; lachesis, baryta, carbonica and 
creosote, used internally and externally, will be found 
worthy of attention. 

LAMENESS FROM THE PRICK OF A NAIL. 

It not unfrequently happens that in shoeing a horse, 
a nail is driven in a wrong direction, frequently pene- 
trating or pressing the sensible sole, or wounding the 
laminae; the result of which is pain and lameness. 
The animal flinches when struck ever so slightly on 
the nail ; he limps, carries the affected foot forwards, 
and raises it frequently. No bad consequence occurs 
if the nail be immediately removed, the wound washed 
carefully with cold water, and if we then employ the 
tincture of arnica diluted with water ; the nail must 
not be placed so as to press the injured part. But if 
through want of attention the foreign body has re- 
mained in for several days, the side of the foot appears 
hot all round the part, and lameness, at first rather 
imperceptible, becomes very marked ; we must then 
extract it without delay, and if nothing but blood 
escapes from the hole, we must drop into it a little 
arnica. In the worst case, when the nail comes out 
covered with pus, or when there is observed a place 
softer than the rest of the foot, the wound mu^t be 
dilated and some arnica be poured into it, a dose of 



202 Dimples. 

which must also be administered internally. In all 
cases we should carefully examine the nail when drawn 
out, in order to satisfy ourselves that it is not broken, 
that no foreign particles have been left in the wound, 
which would also require that the latter be enlarged, 
after which arnica is to be poured into it. If there be 
acute inflammation, we must have recourse to aconi- 
tum and squilla, and if the pain be severe, to acidnm 
phosphoricum and arsenicum ; squilla, kepar sitlphuris, 
and sulphur are suitable when an abscess has already 
formed. 



SECTION XII. 



PIMPLES. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I. PAGE 76. 

This name has been given to an exantheme or erup- 
tion, which chiefly attacks young horses, principally in 
spring, when they are w 7 orked too hard and when too 
high fed. However, it depends occasionally on 
plethora occasioned by change of diet or too high 
feeding. The eruption consists of red pimples, which 
appear in great numbers over the entire body, and 
from which a liquid is discharged, which agglutinates 
the hair and forms crusts. Amongst the means to be 
employed in such cases, the principal are aconitum, 
arsenicum, dulcamara, phosphorus, sulphur, and rhus 
toxicodendron, the latter more especially when there is 
much itching. 

• 



MANGE. 203 

MANGE. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I. PAGE 76. 

The horse's itch, similar to that in the human sub- 
ject, consists in an eruption which comes out on the 
back, loins, neck, buttocks, shoulders, thighs, &c. It 
always depends on an internal affection (psora), and 
extends with great facility by contagion. The erup- 
tion on the skin does not constitute the disease itself; 
it is only a product or result of it. A purely local 
treatment is unsuitable, and should therefore be re- 
jected. When psora, which has its root within the 
system, extends to the external integuments, it pro- 
duces there a vast number of small, very itchy pimples, 
which oblige the animal to rub himself incessantly, and 
a fluid oozes from them, which soon becomes dry on 
exposure to the air, and forms a scab. The latter 
resolves itself into furfuraceous scales, so that the part 
affected becomes covered with a dirty powder, and 
the hair thus matted is raised and becomes erect. Be- 
sides, there are frequently produced small ulcers, 
which increase in depth, destroy the roots of the hair, 
and cause intolerable itching. This is what is called 
moist itch, which yields to tincture sulphuris, scabiesi- 
num equorum, and also rhus toxicodendron ; if there 
be only itchy pimples and scabs, they are soon cured 
with staphysagria, succeeded in a little time by sulphur. 
But, independently of this moist itch, there is another, 
called the dry itch, consisting in small pimples which 
desquamate, so that the part of the skin affected seems 
as it were covered with a farinaceous powder. The 
itching is frequently so severe as to deprive the horse 
of appetite, and not to allow him a moment's rest at 
night. Here sulphur and sepia are almost specific. 
Anthracinum is recommended in treating itch com- 
bined with glanders. The following means have also 
been recommended : arsenicum, in the case of ulcers 



204 DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. 

with hard crusted edges ; carbo vegetabilis, in obsti- 
nate itch, especially when accompanied with cough ; 
clematis, when the eruption forms several distinct 
groups ; dulcamara, when the diseased part is cover- 
ed with a furfuraceous desquamation, and the hairs 
fall off on the shoulders and forehead ; staphysagria 
combined with sepia and sulphur, when the eruption 
is on the tail ; tinctura acris, when the crusts have the 
form of pointed pimples ; thuja in itch complicated 
with water in both legs ; zincum in that of the but- 
tocks. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION III. PAGE 108. 

The different diseases of the eye may be referred 
to three heads : 1. Inflammation of the parts consti- 
tuting these organs ; 2. Opacity of those which, in the 
natural state, should be transparent ; 3. Diminution or 
abolition of the power inherent in the optic nerve, or 
in the retina. In order to render what I have to say 
of these diseases intelligible, it may be well to give a 
succinct description of the structure and functions of 
the eye, though an accurate knowledge of this organ, 
disposed as it is with so much skill, can only be at- 
tained by dissection, for which not even the best de- 
scription can be substituted, even though it might be 
accompanied with figures. The parts of which the 
eye is composed, are distinguished into external and 
internal. The external parts are : 1. the cilia, which 
are simple in the horse, the lower lid having but very 
few ; 2. the lids, which cover the eye, protect it, and 
form its two angles, both internal and external ; their 
edge, whence the cilia proceed, bears the name of the 
tarsal cartilage : we observe on it as well as on the 
inner surface of the lids, in which small secretory 
glands are formed, intended to prevent them from 
rubbing too roughly on the eye, and to facilitate 



DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. 205 

their movements ; 3. the lachrymal gland, situate at 
the upper part of the lid, in the external angle of the 
eye ; it secretes the tears, which several small ducts, 
called lachrymal ducts, convey over the inner surface 
of the upper eyelid ; 4. at the inner angle of the eye 
is the caruncula lachrymalis, a small body, like to a 
gland in form, on the sides of which are placed two 
small openings, the puncta lachrymalia, the orifices of 
a membranous duct, which penetrates by a small for- 
amen into the lachrymal bone, and extends as far as 
the lower part of the nasal duct, where it may be 
readily perceived in the horse ; in the human subject, 
the puncta lachrymalia terminate in a small membran- 
ous sac, whence the lachrymal duct sets out ; but 
things do not take place similarly in the horse ; 5. at 
the inner angle of the eye there exists a cartilaginous 
body, the haws, which the muscles of the eye are ca- 
pable of drawing over the entire surface of the latter ; 
the horse uses it as a third lid, in order to free the eye 
from dust or other bodies ; 6. the inner surface of the 
lids is lined by a membrane called the conjunctiva, 
which also covers the white of the eye. This mem- 
brane is traversed by numerous blood-vessels, which 
are instantly visible by inflammation. The conjunc- 
tiva also becomes more or less red in internal inflam- 
matory diseases, for which reason this symptom 
should be carefully taken into consideration, when our 
object is to draw up a history of a case of disease. 
The globe of the eye is kept in its place not only at 
its posterior part by the great optic nerve, but also on 
all sides by ligament-like muscles, which allow it to 
move in all directions. It is composed of four mem- 
branes and three humors. There is first found at its 
anterior part a circular and hyaline membrane, form- 
ing a particular prominence, for which its consist- 
ence has procured it the name of cornea, and which, 
in the horse, occupies a greater portion of the globe 
of the eye than the human subject. When this mem- 
18 



206 DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. 

brane is removed, a fluid escapes, called the aque- 
ous humor, and we see the iris. It is not con- 
nected with the cornea, as would appear at first sight, 
but is united at its edge with the choroid, and it is 
stretched behind the cornea, as the dial of a watch is 
behind the glass. In the human eye the pupil is black 
and round ; in the horse it is blueish and oval, with 
its greater diameter horizontal, whilst in some other 
animals, cats, for instance, its great axis is vertical. 
The aqueous humor gives the cornea its convexity, 
and allows the iris which floats in to perform its func- 
tions. In fact, the iris consists of two strata of muscu- 
lar fibres, of which the one contracts the pupil, whilst 
the other dilates it. The former of these phenomena 
takes place under the influence of light ; the second 
in darkness, of which we may readily satisfy ourselves 
by examining the eye of the horse, first in a corner of 
the stable, then immediately after in the open daylight. 
In some diseases the pupil loses the property of dilat- 
ing : it is for this reason we should endeavor to ascer- 
tain its state whenever the animal is sick. After hav- 
ing removed the iris, we discover a bi-convex body, 
perfectly transparent, the crystalline lens, enclosed in 
a membranous capsule, between which and it there is 
a small quantity of liquid. This body and the retina 
are the most important parts of the eye ; for without 
the crystalline no regular image of an object could be 
produced, and without the retina the animal would 
not perceive the images of objects. The use of the 
crystalline is to collect the luminous rays which fall 
on the eye, and to refract them, so that they may be 
concentrated into a single focus on the retina. In 
order that vision may be complete, it is necessary that 
this focus may vary, that is, that the crystalline may 
have the power of moving anteriorly and posteriorly, 
according as a near or remote object is to be seen. 
When this mobility does not exist, the result is one or 
other of the following diseases. In the former, dis- 



DESCRIPTION OF THE EYE. 207 

tant objects only are seen, and in the second only near 
objects. The third humor of the eye is called the 
vitreous humor, because it resembles the most limpid 
water. It is contained, not like the others in a gener- 
al capsule, but in numerous cells of perfect transpar- 
ence. It occupies all the posterior part of the globe 
of the eye, the convex form of which is produced by 
it. The choroid, of which I have already spoken, 
seems to be black in the human subject, by reason of 
the pigment which covers it, and it is this which causes 
the human pupil to appear black ; in the horse it is 
variously colored, sometimes black, sometimes blue ? 
or green, and thence it comes that the pupil of this 
animal has a deep blue tint. Lastly, at the very bot- 
tom of the eye, the optic nerve proceeding from the 
brain penetrates the eye, is then immediately resolved 
into medullary tissue, and forms a white membrane ex- 
tended over the choroid which it accompanies as far as 
the edge of the crystalline. This membrane is the re- 
tina or surface on which are painted all the objects 
which strike the sight. 

From this slight sketch of the structure and func- 
tions of the eye, it is easily seen that many circum- 
stances may occur which render vision incomplete, or 
even destroy it altogether. The most usual are the 
following : 1. the cornea, which in the normal state, 
is perfectly transparent, may become more or less 
turbid from inflammation, &c, and the animal may 
in consequence become more or less blind, though the 
other parts of the eye may be perfectly sound ; 2. this 
membrane may be too convex or too flat, the eye will 
see badly at a distance in the former ease, and at a 
short distance in the latter ; 3. the iris may, after in- 
flammation, &c, lose more or less the power of con- 
tracting. In such a case the pupil always retains the 
same dimensions, and the animal has no longer the 
power of accommodating such dimensions to the dif- 
ferent degrees of intensity in the light, and to the dif- 



208 



PHTHISIS PULMONALIS. 



ferent degrees of distance of the objects ; whence it 
follows, that whilst a strong light dazzles a horse, he 
cannot clearly see a weak light ; 4. the pupil may be 
so close, by the total contraction of the iris, that it 
does not allow a single ray of light to pass ; 5. the 
crystalline may become more or less opaque, and vis- 
ion may be in consequence confused, or even 
abolished ; 6. the power inherent in the retina and 
the optic nerve may diminish or be destroyed, in 
which cases we have the diseases designated by the 
names of amblyopia and gutta serena. 

These different diseases are not as numerous in any 
of our domestic animals as in the horse, by reason of 
the various injurious influences to which this animal is 
continually exposed from his youth. Special arti- 
cles have been devoted to each of these. 

PHTHISIS PULMONALIS. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION IV. PAGE 130. 

This formidable disease takes its origin chiefly 
when pulmonary tubercles are developed after inflam- 
mation of the lungs in horses of a middle age and 
strong constitution ; it is not of frequent occurrence, 
inflammation of the lungs being in horses an acute 
disease which quickly passes on to its termination ; but 
there are certain forms and breeds that appear to be 
disposed to phthisis, such as dull-looking, flat-sided, 
narrow-chested horses, that never thrive well on any 
kinds of food ; also, horses bred in low lands and 
marshes, or those that are forced to breathe contamina- 
ted air, there is but little chance of success in treat- 
ment, even if taken at the early period, for general 
alterations have been going on in the lungs before we 
are aware of the disease in question. Sometimes the 
animal so affected coughs very much, and voids pus 
by the nostrils ; but more frequently the disease devel- 
opes itself slowly. It is recognized chiefly by the 



CONSTIPATION. 209 

horse, though retaining his spirits and eating well, 
losing rather than gaining in flesh ; he has his respir- 
ation short, and labors under a constant cough, which 
is sometimes dry, sometimes humid ; in the latter case 
with a discharge by the nostrils of a great quantity of 
foul-looking mucus. If he be much fatigued, badly 
covered, and exposed to frequent colds, the difficulty 
of breathing, cough and nasal discharge increases rap- 
idly ; the mucus soon gives place to pus of a very bad 
odor, the animal becomes weak : he is more especial- 
ly incapable of the least effort during foggy weather; 
the hair of the mane falls off, small tubercles appear 
on the withers, the hair is very smooth and bright, 
and death usually comes on in the midst of diarrhoea. 
Amongst the means which have been recommend- 
ed, the principal are china, (in several doses) lycopo- 
diwn and especially stannum, calcarea, carbonica and 
nitrum. Dulcamara is also very useful, Pulsatilla, 
silicea, hepar sulphuris, spongia, car bo vegetabilis may 
also be employed. 

CONSTIPATION. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION V. PAGE 139. 

Constipation exists when the horse remains a con- 
siderable time without emptying the bowels, or at 
least without passing anything but a few small lumps 
very hard, sometimes brown or blackish. In general, 
it is the symptom of another disease, especially colic, 
enteritis, nephritis, cystitis, &c. However, constipa- 
tion sometimes appears also as an independent symp- 
tom (after some irregularity in diet, exposure to heat, 
or to cold) the frequent use of purgatives, &c, and it 
not unfrequently becomes the occasional cause of cer- 
tain diseases, especially of a particular species of col- 
ic, to which a more or less inflammatory state is 
joined. A dose of aconitum, to be repeated when 
necessary, should always commence the treatment. 
18* 



210 WORMS. 

If the constipation is referrible to a disturbance of 
digestion, arsenicum produces salutary effects. Nux 
vomica, is a capital remedy, when the excrements are 
scanty and hard, or when the animal is drawn! up in 
the carcase. Hyoscyamus is also found very effica- 
cious in cases where the belly is contracted, and nux 
vomica has produced no effect. Plumbum is specific 
when the intestinal canal seems empty, or when there 
is voided a small portion of foeces not hard. If con- 
stipation be connected with inactivity of the intestinal 
canal, which may be known by the deep brown or 
black color of the small excrementitious lumps, opium 
is uniformly found useful. 

WORMS. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION V. PAGE 139. 

The worms so frequently met with, in immense 
quantity, in the living body are always the product of 
latent psora. They are seen more especially in badly 
fed horses, or in foals which have been weaned too 
soon, several species of them are seen : 

1. The larvse of the cestra, called bots, which re- 
side in the insensible coating of the stomach, and are 
often seen to hang externally from the anus ; the ani- 
mal affected with them scrapes the ground with the 
fore feet, propels the body forward on the manger, 
rests his head, &c, though at times it is difficult to 
judge whether they do exist or not within the animal, 
if we have not an ocular demonstration of the fact, 
by the voiding of one or more with the foeces. Chi' 
na, nux vomica and marum verum are amongst the rem- 
edies best adapted for the colics which frequently oc- 
cur in such cases ; also sulphur, china, and spigelia 
should be used. 

2. The lumbrici which reside in the small intes- 
tines ; the retraction of the flanks is almost the only 
sign announcing their presence. China, mercurius 



LAMPAS. 211 

salulibus, and absinthium, is indicated by the symp- 
toms they occasion. 

3. Ascarides, whose chief residence is the large in- 
testines, and which oblige the horse frequently to rub 
his quarters. Digitalis and ignatia amara are the 
remedies in such cases ; if they make the horse furi- 
ous, stramonium should be given. 

4. The strongylus which, when first evacuated, ap- 
pears partly black, and partly transparent, graphites, 
petroleum, murias magnesia, stannum, sulphur, &c. 

There is one circumstance which renders it certain 
that a horse is infested with worms, and that is when 
they are found in the foeces. It is often considered, 
however, as a certain sign, when the horse frequently 
depresses the lower lip. The principal remedy 
against all the inconveniences caused by the presence 
of worms is china, (several doses), after which sulphur 
is to be given, which must be continued for a long 
time, repeating it every six or eight days. Argilla is 
much lauded, when there exists diarrhoea, and consti- 
pation alternately ; murias magnesia, when the consti- 
pation returns periodically ; sepia, when the alvine de- 
jections are preceded and followed by retraction of 
the flanks ; petroleum, when the animal limps from 
time to time. 

LAMPAS. 
SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION VIII. PAGE 16S. 

Lampas consists in a swelling and tumefaction of 
the bars of the palate, observed in young horses. It 
is sometimes an effect of difficult dentition, or ap- 
pears at times when catarrhal symptoms are present. 
Swollen bars often project beyond the surface of the 
upper incisor teeth, and become so painful as to 
prevent the animal from eating. Mercurius vivus is 
the chief remedy in treating this affection, next comes 
the natrum muriaticum, also belladonna, hepar sulphu- 
ris, phosphoric acid and sulph. 



212 LUXATION 

LUXATION. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION X. PAGE 184* 

The principal means in the treatment of luxations 
and sprains, are arnica, internally and externally, and 
thus toxicodendron, first reducing the joint and prop- 
erly securing it. 

RAT'S TAIL. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION X. PAGE 184. 

The disease called rat's tail is said to exist when 
the base of the tail is denuded of hair by reason of 
friction, the animal frequently rubbing his tail against 
the sides of the stall to lessen the irritation. Spiritus 
sulphur atus and rhus toxicodendron are the principal 
remedies to be employed. If it be moist, graphites 
is to be prescribed once or twice a week, after which 
mercurius vivus should be given. When no trace of 
exantheme is perceivable, recourse may be had to cal- 
carea carbonica and to sulphur. More than once have 
I cured this disease with staphysagria. 



PART II 



DISEASES OF OXEN 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

Among our domestic animals, horned cattle were 
undoubtedly those, the diseases of which there was a 
necessity for studying earlier than those of other ani- 
mals. Not only did the first shepherd people, the 
Israelites, for instance, observe the diseases which at- 
tacked certain individuals, or even ravaged entire 
herds, but moreover the sacrifices which they offered 
to the Gods, gave them an opportunity of discovering 
certain anomalies, which, when carried to a certain 
height, might compromise the health of the animal 
and render its flesh injurious to man. Thus, though 
at that time, the knowledge of the internal structure 
of oxen was cultivated solely from purely religious 
views, it cannot still be denied that it must lead also 
to some notions of pathology. 

The two most civilized nations of the Old World, 
the Greeks and Romans, endeavored to ascertain and 
cure the diseases of their domestic animals. We 
have proof of this in the details given to us by Homer, 



214 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

Herodotus, Xenophon, Ovid, Virgil, but chiefly by 
Columella and Vegetius. Though the horse was the 
favorite animal of those nations, they were also obliged 
to study the diseases of horned cattle, those more espe- 
cially which having an epizootic character, occasioned 
great ravages among their herds. But the ideas 
attained in this particular came almost to nothing, and 
matters remained in the same state until the eighteenth 
century ; it at length fixed the attention of some distin- 
guished medical men. Thus P. Camper (who was 
born in 1722, and died in 1789) delivered public lec- 
tures on the organization and diseases of horned cattle, 
which he afterwards had printed. Similar researches 
were published by Haller, Ramazzini, Lancisi and 
Schroeck. 

But the sporadic diseases of these animals still re- 
mained to be studied, so that what may be properly 
called the origin of bovine medicine, ascends no higher 
than the publication of the work of Willburg,* which 
appeared in 1776. Then came a long series of mono- 
graphs, among which may be distinguished in particu- 
lar those of Viborg in 1785,f on epizootics, memorisa- 
tion and vaccine. The paper on melcorisation is 
probably the oldest treatise we possess on this disease. 

Nearly about the same period, Tolnay published, in 
the Hungarian language,! a work on the diseases of 
all our domestic animals, and on the mode of treating 
them. To this same period are to be referred the 
works of Chabert, Flandrin and Huzard.§ 

* "Popular Instruction on the Manner of discovering and treat- 
ing the Diseases of Horned Cattle, (in German). Nuremberg, 1776. 

t Published in German at Copenhagen (1785, five volumes). 

t This work was translated into German under the title of, 
" Practical Manual of the Knowledge and Treatment of the Epi- 
zootic and Principal Sporadic Diseases of the Ox, Horse, &c." 
Leipsie, 1809 

§ "Instructions et Observations sur les Maladies des Animaux 
Domestiqnes," par Chabert, Flandrin et Hazard. Pans, 1809— - 
1824, 6 vols. 8vo. 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 215 

The manual of Pilger* has not yet lost the advan- 
tages of the very favorable reception which it met 
with at its very first appearance. The first part of 
the second volume treats of the epizootic and sporadic 
diseases, both internal and external, of horned cattle. 

I shall mention merely, en passant, the work writtenf 
by Lauberder, a Bavarian, in the spirit of the Bru- 
nonian system, and I shall allude as appertaining 
more especially to the subject of this article, to those 
of Tscheulin,J Waldinger,<§> and Ribbe.|| The trea- 
tise of VeithlT is a truly classical work, which has not 
yet been surpassed. Details of more or less value are 
also to be found in those of Busch,** Hofacker,ft Die- 
trich, XX Ziller,<§>§ Rychner,|||| and more especially in the 
Dictionary of Hurtrel d' Arboval.HH 

* " Systematic Manual of Veterinary Medicine, Theoretical and 
Practical," (in German). Giessen, 1801 — 1803, 2 vols. 

t " Theoretical and Practical Manual of Veterinary Medicine, 
or an Exact Description of the Diseases of all Domestic Animals, 
and of the Means of curing them, (in German.) Erfurd, 1803 — 
1807, 4 vols. 8vo. 

% " Manual for learning to understand and treat Diseases of our 
Principal Domestic Animals," (in German ) Carlsruhe, 1812, 2 
vols. 

§ " Treatise on the Ordinary Diseases of Horned Cattle," (in 
German). Vienna and Trieste, 1817. 

|| " Succinct Instruction for the Mode of ascertaining the Internal 
and External Diseases of Oxen," (in German.) Berlin, 1817. 

H " Manual of Veterinary Medicine, (in German ) Third Edi- 
tion, Vienna, 1831, 2 vols. 

** " System of Veterinary Medicine, theoretical and practical," 
(in German.) Marbourg, 1822, 4 vols. 

tt " Manual on the Ordinary Diseases of the Horse, Horned Cat- 
tle, &c" (in German). Tubingen, 1823. 

tt " Manual of Special Pathology and Therapeutics, for Veteri- 
nary Surgeons and Farmers, (in German.) Berlin, 1828. 

§§ "Means of appreciating the healthy and morbid state of 
Horned Cattle," (in German). 1833. 

Illl " Boniatrique, or Systematic Manual of the internal and ex- 
ternal diseases of Oxen," (in German). 2d edition. Berne, 1841. 

MM " Dictionnaire de Medecine, de Chirurgie et d'Hygiene Vete- 
rinaires. 2d edition. Paris, 1839. 6 vols. Svo. Consult also on 
diseases of the Ox, the following works : Vicq-d'Azyr, (F.), 
" Expose des moyens curatifs et preservatifs qui peuvent etre em- 



216 PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 

Horned cattle are usually designated, with sheep 
and goats, under the general name of ruminantia. 
Thev want the denial apparatus necessary to commi- 
nute all at once the herbage and grains which serve 
as nourishment. The consequence is, that these ani- 
mals, as being naturally very greedy, masticate their 
food coarsely, and swallow it almost entire. But their 
stomach, beside being very capacious, presents also a 
peculiar arrangement. It is divided into four distinct 
cavities ; the first does not serve for digestion ; it is 
but a mere reservoir for the food swallowed almost in 
the state it was presented by nature : it is called the 
paunch. After it has tarried there for some time, and 
that, in the case of dry food, the animal has taken 
some drink, he brings it up again into his mouth, in 
order to masticate it completely. This act goes by 
the name of rumination ; we are not to consider it as 
a kind of vomiting, for ruminant animals cannot easily 
vomit, and it is only in certain dangerous diseases, 
that amidst very painful efforts the contents of the 
third and fourth stomach are discharged. It is quite 
a special function, the end of which is finally to com- 
minute the substances which till then had only under- 
gone a softening, a sort of maceration, in the paunch, 
just as in the crop of granivorous birds. The neces- 
sity for ruminating manifests itself by a sensation simi- 
lar to hunger. After the mouthful, having ascended 
along the oesophagus, has been crushed by the lateral 

ployes contre les Maladies pestilentielles des Betes a Comes." 
Paris, 1776. 8vo. — Robinet (J.), " Manual du Bouvier, ou Traite 
de la Medicine pratique des Betes a Cornes." Nouvelle edition, 
augmentee, par Husard ills., Paris, 1836, 2 vols. 12mo. — Rodet 
(J. B. C ), " Medecine du Bceuf, ou Trait6 des Maladies les plus 
meurtrieres des Betes Bovines." Paris, 1829. 1 vol. 8vo. — Gelle 
(P. B.,) " Pathologie Bovine, ou Traite complet des Maladies du 
Bceuf." Toulouse, 1841. 4 vols. 8vo. — Lafore, " Traite des 
Maladies particulieres aux grands Ruminants." Toulouse, 1843. 
8vo. — Delafond (O), " Traite sur la Maladie de poitrine du gros 
betail, comme sous le nom de peripneumonje contagieuse," Paris, 
1844. 8vo. 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 217 

motions of the lower jaw, (the number of which may 
be estimated at about fifty for each mouthful,) it 
re-descends into a second stomach, called the bonnet, 
whence, following a particular canal, it passes into 
the third, (the manyplus,) then into the fourth, (the 
abomasum.) The last is the only one wherein diges- 
tion, properly so called, takes place, which would be 
impossible, if it had not been preceded by rumination. 
The result of this is, in a dietetic point of view, that 
horned cattle require to be treated differently from the 
horse, who has a simple and small stomach, but a 
very irritable one, or from the pig, which, possessing 
the power of vomiting, is secured from the inconven- 
iences which an excess of food may produce in rumi- 
nant animals. It will always be prudent not to allow 
the latter to wait too long a time for food, and not to 
give them too much at a time, especially if it be young 
grass or green clover, of which they are so greedy, 
that they gorge themselves with it to excess, without 
taking the necessary time to ruminate and digest. 

It is not difficult for the close observer to distinguish 
a horned beast when sick from one that is healthy. 
The animal refuses to eat, he does not ruminate, nor 
does he lick himself ; he remains sad, holds down the 
head, he is as it were wearied and disinclined to move, 
he keeps lying down more frequently than usual. The 
milk disappears in cows, or undergoes a more or less 
perceptible diminution ; sometimes, too, it undergoes 
changes in its composition. The alvine dejections are, 
in general, more scanty, hard, solid, and of a black 
color ; or else there is diarrhoea, and the matters 
evacuated are watery, mucous or bloody. 

In the breeding of horned cattle there are four 
points to be considered : the milk, fattening, the in- 
crease and improvement of the breed. 

The production of the milk and fattening are con- 
nected with the mode of feeding. It is by means of 
the latter, and also by the kind of stabling, that we can 
19 



218 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 



succeed in improving the natural state of oxen. We 
have then to examine how far these two circumstances 
may influence the development of diseases. 

The direction of the vertebral column, and of the 
head, indicates that oxen should take their food from 
the ground. It is wrong, then, to place it for them in 
racks where they have a difficulty in getting it, besides 
that, the dust which is detached from it, is introduced 
into their nostrils, and becomes mixed with the mucus 
which is collected there. The mucus which cannot 
make its escape outwards, except by the head being 
pendant, then makes a passage for itself by the pos- 
terior nareus into the throat, and the dust it carries 
with it is mixed up with the food. 

Constant confinement to the stable is opposed to the 
nature of oxen, and becomes the source of numberless 
diseases. Endeavors are made to promote the lacteal 
secretion in cows, and the fattening of oxen by means 
of heat ; for this purpose stables are converted into real 
stoves, either by not making them sufficiently large, or 
by crowding them to excess, or by preventing the access 
of air from without ; and all this without recollecting 
that the skin thus over-excited must necessarily fall 
into a state of atony in a short time. Besides, the 
moist heat and the emanations of the dung cannot fail 
to exercise a destructive influence on the lungs and 
entire system. To these causes, if we add the absolute 
want of exercise and the excess of food, we shall not 
be surprised at the number of the diseases resulting 
from these different practices, and at the extraordinary 
forms which they oftentimes assume. 

Persons propose to themselves by feeding them in 
the stable to augment the mass of dung, and the beasts 
are left in their excrement, sometimes up to the very 
knees. Seldom is there any care taken to cleanse their 
skin, and still less attention is directed to the feet. 
What wonder, then, if they exhibit so many eruptions 



PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 219 

on their bodies, so much vermin, and so many diseases 
of the feet. 

We must also reckon among the causes of diseases, 
the sudden changes of residence, of food, and of air. 
Neither is there any limit observed with respect to the 
labor exacted from oxen, sometimes from cows too, 
nor with regard to the treatment they are made to 
submit to, nor with respect to the food so grudgingly 
dealt out to them. This accounts for the great num- 
ber of beasts which are lame and emaciated, which 
have no spirit, and which must sooner or later fall vic- 
tims to so many destructive influences. 

In reference to the homoeopathic treatment of horned 
cattle, experience has proved abundantly that they 
require stronger doses than the horse. One or two 
drops, of from the twelfth to the fifteenth dynamiza- 
tion, would suffice for a horse ; the double of that, and 
sometimes even three times as much would be requisite 
for an ox. The best form of administering the medi- 
cine is the watery solution, that is the mixture of from 
two to four drops of the medicine with two hundred 
drops of pure water, which is to be poured into the 
animal's mouth, after his head has been raised. We 
may also employ wafers steeped in the fifth dyna- 
mization. 



220 ABSCESS. 



SECTION I 



GENERALITIES. 



ABSCESS. 

Abscesses are much more common in horned cattle 
than in horses, because the animals very frequently 
strike each other with their horns, after which a flat 
and hot tumor generally comes on, which gradually 
becomes round and acquires a considerable size. If 
immediately after the occurrence, arnica be adminis- 
tered, both internally and externally, the swelling is 
removed in a few days, without passing into the state 
of induration, or forming an abscess. On the one 
hand, it is not uncommon to meet with abscesses 
which do not at all depend on external violence, which, 
for instance, are occasioned by cold. The first reme- 
dy to be employed, in all cases, is aconitum, because 
every abscess is always preceded or accompanied by 
inflammation. Then we should also consider bryonia, 
especially when the swelling has appeared after cold, 
and it is hot and tense ; in such a case, if the inflam- 
mation is not severe, and is not accompanied by sensi- 
ble fever, we may resort at once to bryonia. Pulsa- 
tilla has proved more than once effectual under the 
same circumstances. If there be pain or any difficulty 
in moving, what should be done, after the employ- 
ment of aconiium and bryonia, is to exhibit a dose of 
rhus toxicodendron. Mercurius vivus has also succeed- 
ed very frequently, especially bringing about opening 
of the abscess, "if the swelling cannot be resolved 
by the means now mentioned, we should then admin- 



ABSCESS ANOREXIA. 221 

ister every six hours a dose of hepar sulphuris ; 
in general, these twenty-four hours do not elapse 
without the abscess opening, and occasionally even we 
obtain from such treatment complete resolution. If 
the abscess, when it depends on an external cause, or 
when it has come on spontaneously, has been neglect- 
ed, it frequently passes into the state of induration, and 
its cure then presents in certain cases considerable diffi- 
culties. When the indurated tumor is seated in the 
head, we employ belladonna, aurum, baryta carbonica 
(of great use in tubercles on the jaw), angustura and 
sulphur. If we have to treat engorged glands, chamo- 
milla possesses specific virtues, and conium, when the 
indurated tumor has been the result of a compression. 
In obstinate cases, benefit may be obtained from hepar 
sulphuris (four doses per diem.) In abscesses which 
suppurate, the principal means to which we are to have 
recourse, are : arsenicum, internally and externally, if 
the edges are painful, everted, inflamed, with unhealthy 
pus ; silicea, if the pus is thick and of a bad color ; 
chamomilla, sepia, and antimonium, when proud flesh 
becomes developed on it. Pulsatilla possesses specific 
virtues in the case of fistulous ulcers. The following 
substances as intercurrent remedies : ledum palustre, 
when the fistulse have an opening sufficiently large, and 
the bottom is white and lardaceous ; calcarea carbonica, 
a capital remedy in all forms of fistulas ; lycopodium, 
when the orifice is small and there are numerous bur- 
rows ; these remedies are interposed when the repeated 
doses of Pulsatilla no longer bring about improvement, 
and about four days after we should recur to the latter. 
Occasionally it is necessary to employ, in addition, 
several intercurrent remedies. 

ANOREXIA. 

However slight the diseases of horned cattle may be, 
they are almost aU accompanied by a diminution or 
19* 



222 ANOREXIA — BOULIMIA CARIES. 

total loss of appetite. No person will be induced to 
attach any importance to this symptom, which usually 
disappears with the disease which it accompanies. Bat 
frequently also the same phenomenon is observed on a 
sudden, without any trace of disease being observable. 
We should commence by inquiring whether it might 
not depend on the quality of the fodder, or on an affec- 
tion of the mouth, or inflammation of the palate, or 
glossitis, ulcerations, aphthse, &c. Sometimes it is 
owing to an overloading of the stomach. But if none 
of these exist, we should have recourse to special medi- 
cines. The chief is antimonium crudam, especially if 
the animal has eaten too much previously. Next come 
mix vomica and arsenicum, the former of which is suit- 
able when there is constipation, the second when there 
is diarrhoea, with or without colic, and chamomilla when 
there is diarrhoea and gripes. Pulsatilla has also been 
very often found useful, when the loss of appetite was 
accompanied with absence of thirst, or with diarrhoea, 
with cold in the feet. 

BOUXIMIA. 

Excessive increase of appetite always indicates a 
morbid disposition of the organism. The animal be- 
comes more and more emaciated, though he eats a 
great quantity, and he often evinces greediness for un- 
usual things. A few doses of Pulsatilla, to each of 
Avhich four or five days are allowed to exhaust its ac- 
tion, is the principal remedy ; after w T hich come nux 
vomica and sepia. Sometimes the disease is kept up 
by worms ; china cannot, in such a case, be too strong- 
ly recommended. 

CARIES. 

This is a very serious disease, and one difficult to 
cure. Besides the swelling of the Bones, which almost 



CARIES CRUSTA LACTEA — - CYSTS. 223 

always precedes it, and which often takes place even 
when a wound is already opened externally, it is ob- 
served, a long time before, that the part is very painful 
to the touch. Asafoetida and silicea are the principal 
remedies to be employed. Recourse has also been 
had to aurum, with success, especially in caries affect- 
ing the head ; lachesis in that on the legs, acidum nitri, 
sepia, iodium, and sulphur. 

CRUSTA LACTEA. 

This name is applied, in calves, to a peculiar exan- 
theme, which consists in small white pustules developed 
on the head, chiefly around the mouth, nose, eyes, and 
ears. These pustules, which are fewer on the neck and 
on other parts of the body, exude a viscous fluid, 
which, on drying, produces a mealy sort of scab, of a 
bluish w T hite color. This eruption differs from the 
itch in this, that it occasions little or no itching, and 
the scabs are much thicker. It is very contagious. 
Though not attended with any danger in itself, it 
sometimes causes the animal to be emaciated, the con- 
tinual renewing of the scabs occasioning general ex- 
haustion and diarrhoea. Dulcamara is the chief 
remedy for this ; sometimes it is necessary to alternate 
it with veratrum. Sulphur must be given as consecu- 
tive treatment. 

CYSTS. 

Calcarea carbonica has generally succeeded in the 
treatment of indolent tumors divested of hair, which 
come out, with greater or less size, on different parts 
of the body ; when it failed, some doses of graphites 
never failed to effect a cure. With respect to tumors 
produced by contusions, they are to be treated with 
arnica internally and externally, and if they resist, 
mercurius vivus effectually opens them. 



224 CONTUSIONS — EPILEPSY. 



CONTUSIONS. 



It is not uncommon in yoked oxen for the pressure 
of the yoke to occasion lesions in the upper part of 
the neck, near the withers. If the skin be cut, if 
there be a wound, this should be fomented with arnica 
water, and some days' rest should be allowed. When 
there is no wound, but merely a swelling, arnica is 
employed externally and also internally. -When, not- 
withstanding this remedy, the tumor is not resolved, 
or when from neglect it has already passed into a state 
of suppuration, mercurius vivus should be prescribed, 
which soon opens it, and then silicea. If scabs are 
produced in the injured part, thuja and sulphur are 
given. Arsenicum is a specific in the case of ulcers 
with hard and everted edges. Bryonia has always 
succeeded in my hands in the treatment of young oxen, 
which had been just put to work. 

Arnica, internally and externally, is the grand remedy 
in all lesions produced by contusion. Conium should 
be employed when the contusion, or blow, or other 
injury has occasioned indurations. 

EPILEPSY. 

Epilepsy, which is very uncommon in oxen, has, at 
first sight, some resemblance to vertigo, from which, 
however, it differs essentially. In vertigo, with which 
oxen used in drawing are often attacked, in conse- 
quence of hard labor in the heat of the sun, or from 
too tight a yoke, squeezing of the throat, &c, the ani- 
mal totters on a sudden, falls, and remains stretched 
on the ground for some time without consciousness. 
The same thing happens in epilepsy, but the animal, 
after having fallen, either suddenly or after some con- 
vulsive struggles, does not remain calm on the ground ; 
he becomes convulsed, turns his eyes, strikes with the 



INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 225 

feet, and compresses the jaws one against the other ; 
a frothy saliva escapes from his mouth, oftentimes 
mixed with the food which re-ascends from the paunch. 
Sometimes the animal lows, and complains very much ; 
in other cases it remains quiet. The fit lasts, in gen- 
eral, longer than those of vertigo, sometimes from 
three-quarters of an hour to an hour, and returns after 
a lapse of time, of greater or less length. "When it is 
over, the animal rises up at once, looks around him, 
commences to eat, and appears in perfect health. 
The fits of epilepsy are not devoid of danger, for he 
may injure himself in falling ; and the animal has 
been observed to die on the spot. Moreover, the dis- 
ease is hereditary. 

Some doses of aconitum are the first means to be 
employed ; after which we should administer slramo- 
nium, and if the fit return, belladonna. We may also 
have recourse to hyoscyamus (especially if the fits are 
accompanied with violent movements of the thighs,) 
also to cocculus and calcarea carbonica. It will be 
useful to try some doses of camphor every week to pre- 
vent the return of the fits. If the disease depend on 
worms, as has been sometimes found, china is one of 
the most useful remedies for it. 



FEVER (INFLAMMATORY.) 

When an internal or external inflammation has 
attained a certain extent, it is generally accompanied 
with fever of greater or less severity. In this case the 
pulse is frequent and hard, the mouth dry and hot, the 
alvine dejections hard, dry and scanty, the urine small 
in quantity, the ears hot, as well as the horns and feet. 
The animal has but little appetite, or eats only green 
fodder and feels great thirst. In general he is worse at 
night than in the morning. The principal remedy for 
the treatment of this fever is aconitum, which should 
be repeated at intervals, so much shorter, according 



226 



NERVOUS FEVER. 



as the disease is more severe, for instance from every 
eight to fifteen minutes in very acute cases, and which 
must be continued, until a perceptible calm be restored. 
In external inflammatory diseases, especially those 
which arise from a traumatic lesion, aconitum is appli- 
cable not only to prevent the fever, but also to cure it 
when it is already developed, and has as yet made no 
progress. However, notwithstanding the great efficacy 
of aconitum, it does not suffice in many cases to effect 
a complete cure, so that according to the individual 
nature of the inflammation, it becomes necessary to 
assist its action by that of different other means ; bella- 
donna in encephalitis ; spongia marina in angina ; 
bryonia in pneumonia and peripneumonia ; arsenicum 
and rhus toxicodendron in enteritis ; cantharides in cys- 
titis and nephritis, &c. 

FEVER (NERVOUS.) 

The following is the description of this disease, which 
sometimes prevails epizootically, and causes great 
ravages by contagion. The animals lose appetite, 
they become sad and lose their strength ; the tongue, 
mouth and nose are dry ; the limbs are seized with 
convulsions, there are occasionally violent spasms ; the 
animals totter, fall as if struck with epilepsy, seldom 
leave their litter, and generally refuse to drink. At 
the onset, the alvine dejections are dry ; but after some 
time, they become soft, and the food at length comes 
away undigested, the tongue continuing foul, and the 
mouth discharging a profuse ill-odored saliva. The 
febrile movements generally occur in the evening. 
Bryonia, twice a day, is the remedy best suited to 
the entire course of the disease. Acidum muriaticum 
should be given when there is great debility, and. dry- 
ness of the mouth ; arnica, when the animal remains 
stretched without motion, and without consciousness ; 
stramonium and hyoscyamus, if partial convulsions are 
observed to take place ; belladonna, under the same 



PUERPERAL FEVER. 227 

circumstances, when there is at the same time great 
restlessness, or when the look is wild ; arsenicum, if 
the dejections are those of diarrhoea and watery ; vera- 
trum in case of diarrhoea, as also in case of constipa- 
tion, with cold of the extremities ; china, argilla and 
sulphur, when the food passes away undigested ; helle- 
borus, when there is salivation. Whatever be the 
remedy required by such or such a set of symptoms, 
bryonia must always be administered as long as the 
fever lasts. A dose of veratrum is indicated when the 
disease, after having been overcome, leaves a state of 
debility after it. 

PUERPERAL. FEVER. 

After difficult parturition, or from the effect of a bad 
regimen, cold, &c, it sometimes happens, particularly 
in fat cows, that one or more days after the birth, this 
extremely dangerous disease is observed to show itself, 
which is generally accompanied by an inflammation of 
the peritoneum, intestines, or womb ; and which, when 
not promptly relieved, terminates in death in from 
three to five days. The animal is melancholy, it be- 
gins to tremble, no longer eats, does not ruminate, 
feels great thirst, does not remain at rest on its hind 
feet, stumbles and wishes every moment to lie down, 
though the affection of the belly and the swelling of the 
genital parts oblige it immediately to stand up. There 
soon supervenes paralysis of the hind quarters, and the 
animal is no longer able to stand up. It then lows, 
and complains incessantly, the teats diminish, the 
secretion of milk is arrested, the ears, horns and feet 
become cold, the eye becomes fixed, the look becomes 
wild. There is frequently tumefaction of the belly, 
heat and swelling of the mammse. In general the 
after-birth has remained in the womb, from which an 
infectious ichor escapes. All these symptoms succeed 
each other very rapidly. The first thing to be done 



228 FRACTURES. 

is to administer, within three or four hours, from three 
to four doses of aconitum, which generally effect a per- 
ceptible calm. Then we may have recourse to Pulsa- 
tilla and to nux vomica. Belladonna is also an excel- 
lent remedy, particularly in cases of very painful 
swelling of the belly, and of retention of the placenta. 
Chamomilla restores the secretion of milk. Paralysis 
of the hind-quarters, if it does not yield to nux vomica, 
which is in general the most useful, disappears under 
the influence of thus toxicodendron. 

FRACTURES. 

It is not an uncommon occurrence for oxen to break 
a horn ; the result is violent hemorrhage, which is to be 
stopped by fomentations with arnica water. Some- 
times we succeed in restoring the horn by immediate- 
ly fixing it to its place, tying the animal by itself to 
a ring, so that it may not rub against anything, and 
administering internally to it first arnica, then in a 
little time after Symphytum, alternately with squilla. 
But generally speaking we cannot succeed, especially 
when the horn has become cold. We then envelope 
the stump in linen cloths soaked in arnica water, which 
are to be renewed frequently, and we should make the 
animal take internally every two days a dose of arnica, 
or one of Symphytum, if the bone also has been frac- 
tured. We are told that a double dose of squill has 
also been found very useful in such cases. The cure 
is effected with great facility. Oxen frequently frac- 
ture the ossa ilium, an accident which rarely occasions 
fatal consequences, and in which symphitum should be 
employed, both internally and externally. If there be 
much heat, inflammation and swelling, some doses of 
aconitum and arnica may be administered with advan- 
tage. 



FRAGILITY OF THE BONES. 229 



FRAGILITY OF THE BONES. 

This disease, which is met with chiefly in oxen 
which frequent marshy meadows, is followed by frac- 
tures particularly in the legs, Avhen the animal 
leaps, or even when he rises suddenly. It has been 
sometimes observed to constitute a real epizootic dis- 
ease. No other symptom accompanies it in some 
cases ; but frequently there is general debility, and 
painful sensibility in the legs. The animal likes to 
remain lying down, he cannot rise without pain and 
moaning ; a period arrives when he can no longer 
do so, or falls back as soon as he attempts it, frequent- 
ly breaking then either a rib or a leg. The cows at 
first continue to give milk, but the secretion soon di- 
minishes ; there is general emaciation, the hair be- 
comes bristly, and death takes place in consequence 
of wasting away. The bones are very soft and fra- 
gile, one may cut them with a knife. The medulla is 
dry, or reduced to an oily substance. I had an op- 
portunity of seeing this extraordinary malady, which 
I always succeeded in curing with mercurius vivus. 
Two or three doses will often suffice, when it is recent ; 
if not, it will be necessary to persevere for several weeks 
in the use of this medicine, notwithstanding the im- 
provement which may result from the first doses. 

FUNGUS. 

Thuja serves for the treatment of the fungus excres- 
cences produced by the friction of the cord at the base 
of the horns. If they arise from the pressure of the 
yoke, arsenicum should be employed, and when they 
are developed on the withers, they are to be treated 
with chamomilla, particularly when there exist at the 
same time indurated glands. If, as sometimes hap- 
pens, the tumor be opened, it is to be treated as a 
common abscess. Externally arnica and arsenicum 

20 



230 GAD-FLIES LUXATIONS. 

chiefly are to be employed. Phosphorus is the pro- 
per remedy in treating fungus excrescences of a fiery 
red color, and sepia in the case of excrescences near 
the hoof. 

GAD-FLIES. 

The gad-fly not only persecutes, with its bites, dur- 
ing summer, healthy oxen (never those that are un- 
healthy), but also deposits its eggs in their skin, which 
give rise to large tumors, in which the larvae become 
developed ; they live there on the purulent fluid which 
the soft parts secrete, and make their escape thence 
in the following spring, in order to become metamor- 
phosed. The greater the number of tumors, the 
more is the strength of the animal diminished by the 
pain and suppuration. For this reason we should 
endeavor to free it as soon as possible of these larvae, 
by frequently washing the tumors with camphorated 
brandy, or forcibly compressing them, which causes 
the insect to make its exit or crushes it. When they 
have attained the size of a filbert, an incision must 
be made into the part, which is then to be covered 
with a pitch plaster. A few doses of sulphur are to 
be given internally. We are told that those oxen 
which have taken sulphur for a long period of time 
are not infested by gad-flies. 

LUXATIONS. 

Arnica externally and rhus toxicodendron internally, 
are the principal remedies to be employed in the treat- 
ment of luxations in general. It sometimes happens 
that in consequence of a false step, a slip, or in their 
endeavor forcibly to extricate their foot from thick 
clay, oxen employed in drawing, contract a luxation 
of the fetlock, which causes them to limp very much, 
by rendering the swollen part hot and painful. Ad- 
justing the affected portion of the limb should be re- 



LAMENESS. 231 

sorted to, after which the part should be fomented 
with arnica, which should also be given internally ; 
however, rhus toxicodendron should be preferred as an 
internal remedy, and more especially ruta, which is 
specific in such cases. 

LAMENESS. 

Lameness is not uncommon in oxen. It may de- 
pend on distension or shortening of the ligaments and 
tendons surrounding the joint, or on a disease of the 
latter, occasioned either by an external lesion, or by 
rheumatism, or in fine by special circumstances. The 
treatment varies according to the seat of the disease. 
The lameness owing to great pain in the sole should 
be treated with arsenicinn, and that which is caused 
by the introduction of a pointed body into the cleft 
yields to arnica. There is a peculiar species of lame- 
ness which is remarkable for its obstinacy, the nature 
of its causes and its special character. I observed it 
in 1837, and I shall speak of it again under the head 
of Softening of the Bones. The disease began in 
general with a perceptible sensibility of the sole ; the 
animal rested with great caution on his feet, w 7 hich 
when standing, he raised one after the other. Arsen- 
icum, which in general is a good remedy for this state, 
was ineffectual in many cases. After some time the 
disease appeared to be seated more particularly in the 
long bones of the limbs ; for it became more and 
more difficult for the animal to w r alk, and more par- 
ticularly to raise himself, so that he remained stretch- 
ed on the ground, though all his functions continued 
in other respects in their normal state. A fact worthy 
of remark is, that having once broken out in the stalls, 
the disease generally attacked all the inmates, and in 
several localities it passed from one house to the other. 
As no allopathic treatment proved effectual against 
it, it inspired us with new ardor to seek out new means 



232 MADNESS. 

to meet it homoeopathically, in which I succeeded by 
the help of mercurius vivus, when at length I discov- 
ered that the cause was softening of the bones. It 
commenced sometimes in the fore limbs, sometimes 
in the hind limbs ; but mercurius vivus got the better 
of it readily and promptly, when it had not lasted for 
any length of time ; in the latter case, too, it did not 
fail in efficacy ; but it was then necessary to employ 
it in frequently repeated doses, and once I was obliged 
to administer it for an entire month without interrup- 
tion. Coccidus and rhus toxicodendron, were also 
found useful occasionally, and even after the discovery 
of the mercurius vivus, their employment was still 
found completely successful, when the lameness com- 
menced in the hind limbs, and when the disease 
seemed seated in the sacrum rather than in the legs. 
When the lameness commenced in the fore legs, more 
advantage was also obtained from the employment of 
belladonna with that of mercurius. If the animal 
commenced by dragging the legs, especially the hind 
legs, arsenicum produced good effects ; nux vomica 
was also successful, when to these symptoms there 
was added loss of appetite. But when there was well 
marked lameness, none of these means were of any 
avail, and all our resources lay in mercurius vivus. 

MADNESS. 

Madness is not more peculiar to oxen than to 
the horse ; it always results from the bite of a mad 
dog. It very rarely happens that the consequences of 
this bite become developed at the instant ; in general 
several days elapse first, and even some weeks. The 
animal at first evinces considerable disturbance, it no 
longer has any appetite, and ruminates no longer ; 
there does not seem to be much thirst, though from 
time to time it dips its muzzle in the drinking vessel ; 
the abdomen is a little swollen at the commencement, 



MADNESS. 233 

and the animal makes frequent and great but unavail- 
ing efforts to empty the bowels and bladder ; in the 
intervals it shakes itself frequently, more especially the 
head and neck ; it lows incessantly ; its voice, at first 
scarcely changed, assumes on the second or third day 
a peculiar hoarseness. The look of the animal be- 
comes fixed ; the eyes occasionally become redder 
than usual. Saliva constantly flows from the mouth, 
which sometimes also is covered with foam. On the 
second or third day, it is observed in some cows, that 
instead of rumination, the food reascends involuntari- 
ly to the mouth. Some animals become furious when 
they see a dog, or hear him bark ; they strike their 
horns against the wall, attack all living beings, scrape 
with the foot, and strive to break the cords with which 
they are secured. A disposition to bite has been 
sometimes observed. The venereal appetite is almost 
always very much stimulated, and there is rapid ema- 
ciation. The milk diminishes more and more in milk 
cows. From the third or fourth day, periodical con- 
vulsive movements are observed to come on first in 
the neck, then on the chest, and afterwards on the 
hind quarters. About this period there is debility 
of the posterior parts, which are soon palsied, and 
death takes place on the fifth or sixth day. 

Care should be taken to tie the animal securely. 
A dose of belladonna is to be administered to it, the 
bite is to be well washed, and fomented w T ith water, 
to which some drops of extract of belladonna have 
been added. The doses of belladonna are to be re- 
peated, first every day, then at longer intervals. 
When a mad dog has found his way into a herd, it is 
a good precaution to make all the beasts take a dose 
of belladonna daily, for eight or even twelve days. 

20* 



234 MARASMUS METEORISATION. 



MARASMUS. 

Marasmus, occasionally met with in calves, and 
which bears some resemblance to tabes mesenterica, 
depends generally on an internal, cause ; but it is also 
frequently observed to follow different chronic diseases 
and is always accompanied with great debility. 
The principal remedies for it are arsenicum and china, 
taken alternately, one dose every four or five days. 
Advantage is also obtained from mix vomica, if there 
be constipation ; from pulsaiilla, in case of diarrhoea ; 
from china in case of worms and voracious appetite. 
Some doses of sulphur are always useful to complete 
the treatment, more especially when the disease has 
existed for a considerable time. If the marasmus be 
connected with a general morbid state, we must seek 
out the remedy most fitted to this state, with the ces- 
sation of which that of the marasmus also will coin- 
cide. This latter occurrence is sometimes met in 
adult animals ; the animal eats no doubt, and occa- 
sionally very much, and rumination goes on in the 
normal way ; however, it continually wastes away ; 
there is diarrhoea, and the evacuations exhale a very 
bad odor ; the skin is stuck to the ribs, and the hairs 
gradually lose their bright appearance. Pulsaiilla 
and arsenicum have succeeded in some cases. 

METEORISATION. 

This affection, which without belonging exclusively 
to oxen, is, however, of very frequent occurrence in 
them, consists in an enormous development of gases, 
which distend the stomach and intestines, swell the 
belly to a prodigious size, and often cause death in a 
few hours, when a proper remedy is not promptly ap- 
plied. In general it presents itself on a sudden with- 
out any precursory symptoms, but always a little after 
the animal has eaten, and for the most part on return- 



METEORISATION. 235 

ing to the field ; it may come on, however, in the 
stable also. The animal ceases to eat and ruminate ; 
the abdomen becomes enormously swollen, especially 
on the left side, and when struck, it sounds like a 
drum. Great distress soon manifests itself; the 
breathing is short and difficult, the nostrils are widely 
dilated ; there is a threatening of suffocation. At a 
later period, the back bone appears depressed ; the 
fore-feet seem approximated ; the tail is curved up- 
wards ; the eyes are fixed and prominent. The veins 
of the neck and chest are gorged with blood, the 
month is hot and full of saliva; the anus, which is 
closed, projects externally ; the body is bathed in a 
cold sweat ; the animal moans, trembles, totters, with 
difficulty keeps itself on its legs, at length sinks and 
dies, either from suffocation, or from rupture of the 
stomach. 

The most ordinary cause is the voracity with which 
the animal eats certain kinds of food, such as new 
clover, boiled roots, the grains, ranunculuses, hem- 
lock, &c, and all kinds of fodder which have become 
heated in consequence of being heaped whilst they 
were damp. 

Colchicum autumnale rarely fails in its effects, and 
ordinarily it establishes an instantaneous cure. Some- 
times, however, it must be repeated two, three 
and even four times. Occasionally the symptoms 
subside without the animal voiding any wind. In 
chronic meteorisation, which is renewed frequently, 
colchicum taken alternately with arsenicum is very 
useful. Benefit it is said has been derived from 
china. If rumination is not reestablished at the time 
the disease is cured, aconitum must be given, and 
after some hours, arsenicum. When meteorisation 
has been caused not by green fodder, but by some 
disturbance of digestion, we must have recourse to 
nux vomica ; the same substance is suitable, when 
the disease is attributable to the animals having eaten 
colchicum in the meadows. 



236 



ALTERATIONS OF MILK. 



Lastly, when the danger has become so pressing 
that we are brought to the necessity of puncturing in 
order to avoid death, it is, however, still necessary to 
administer the colchicum after having cleansed the 
mouth carefully ; after some time a few doses of ar- 
nica must be given. 

ALTERATIONS OF MILK. 

Changes in the milk or in the lacteal secretion are 
not uncommon in milch-cows. Homoeopathy puts a 
check to them, in general, both promptly and readily. 
The principal are : 

1. Blue milk. At the moment after it has been taken 
from the animal, the milk has its natural color ; but 
when it has rested for some time, and the cream has 
separated from it, stars or blue spots are observed on 
its surfaee, or it even becomes entirely blue. The 
butter obtained from it has a bluish tint, and blue ves- 
icles, or vesicles of a grey color float on the butter- 
milk. No symptoms of disease are remarked in the 
cow. The remedy is pidsalilla, and if the symptoms 
depend, as sometimes happens, on an affection of the 
lower belly, especially on indigestion, recourse should 
be had to mix vomica. 

2. Red milk. Sometimes one or more of the teats 
yield blood along with the milk. This phenomenon 
depends on several causes ; as on the roughness of 
the manner in which the process is conducted, causing 
contusion and inflammation of the organ, or on the 
use of certain irritating substances ; for instance, 
young shoots of the pine tree. Aconitum is a good 
remedy whenever there is an inflammatory condition, 
owing to an internal or external cause, and if it do 
not suffice, phosphorus generally restores matters to 
their normal state. Belladonna also has succeeded 
frequently. If there has been an external injury, 
arnica, internally and externally, is always sufficient. 



(EDEMA. 237 

When none of these causes exist, and there is no in- 
flammation, ipecacuanha should be employed, which 
has been very frequently attended with great success, 
more especially in chronic cases. It is worth remark- 
ing, that in many places a decoction of the young 
shoots of the fir tree are employed with great success. 

3. Viscid milk. Sulphur, chamomilla and nux vomica 
is indicated. Natrum muriaticum, also is often useful. 

4. Acid milk. We should administer sulphur, phos- 
phorus and antimonium tartaricum. 

5. Bitter milk. The remedies are : sulphur and phos- 
phorus. 

6. Watery milk, which yields but little cream. 
This state, oftentimes owing to bad food, especially 
to the potatoe leaf, yields to sulphur, Pulsatilla, and 
nux vomica, with a change of wholesome diet. 

7. Diminution of milk. Different causes may bring 
it about, that after calving the lacteal secretion does 
not become established, or that it goes on but imper- 
fectly, and even when established, that it may stop by 
degrees or abruptly. Aconitum, and chamomilla are 
the principal remedies in this case, especially when 
there is inflammation. Belladonna is useful in inflam- 
mation and tumefaction of the udders ; bryonia or 
dulcamara, when the occurrence depends on cold. If 
the symptom returns after some days, phosphorus 
should be given. When the teat yields but a few 
jets of milk, chamomilla and belladonna should be 
given alternately. 

8. Spontaneous discharge of milk. This is cured by 
belladonna, (if there be swelling of the teat) ; chamo- 
milla, (if it is indurated) ; arnica, (if it received any 
injury followed by inflammation) ; and calcarea car- 
bonica, (if there exist any internal mischief.) 

(EDEMA. 

(Edema, or a collection of serum in the subcutane- 
ous cellular tissue, frequently accompanies hydrotho- 



238 PARALYSIS RHEUMATISM. 

rax and ascites; but it is also met as an independent 
disease in different regions of the body. That which 
distinguishes it from other swellings is, that it is cold 
to the touch, and retains the impression of the finger. 
China and arsenicum, taken alternately, are the chief 
remedies, especially when it has come on after dropsy 
of the chest or abdomen. Bryonia is the suitable rem- 
edy when it results from cold, and when there is at 
the same time, constipation and difficulty of breath- 
ing ; Pulsatilla in the case of diarrhoea. 

PARALYSIS. 

The chief remedies to be used are : aconitum, ar- 
senicum, arnica, belladonna, Bryonia, crocus calcarea, 
carbonica causticum, dulcamara, rhus toxicodendron, 
ruta, sulphur, ferrum, cinchona, &c. If paralysis re- 
sult from rheumatism, we should employ arnica, fer- 
rum, rhus, rhuta, lycopodium, and sulphur. If from 
debility, cinchona, ferrum, baryta, carbonica, sulphur, 
and calcarea. If from apoplexy, arnica, belladonna, 
bryonia, nux vomica, &c. If from injury, arnica, 
aconitum, dulcamara, &c. 

RHEUMATISM. 

Rheumatism, which is generally a consequence of 
a cold, is almost always accompanied with fever. It is 
indicated more especially by a stiff and painful gait, 
occasionally with cracking of the joints. The animal 
prefers much to lie down ; he rises with pain and re- 
luctance ; the pain frequently causes tremors ; the skin 
adheres to the subjacent parts ; it cannot be folded, 
and the appetite is more or less impaired. If the 
disease is carried to an extreme degree, the animal 
never quits its litter, the four extremities become para- 
lyzed, and it can only sustain itself on its knees. In 
milch cows the secretion of milk is diminished or ar- 
rested. The most effectual remedy is aconitum, fol- 



ROTTENNESS. 239 

lowed by arsenicum. Bryonia is good when the feet 
are paralyzed. Arsenicum is indicated when the animal 
is observed to walk with the greatest precaution ; 
when he trembles after drinking cold water ; and the 
disease has been brought on by cold drinks, or an 
excess of food. Rhus toxicodendron should be pre- 
scribed when the disease results from too much fatigue. 
Chamomilla restores the milk secretion, after the other 
ailments have been removed. 



ROTTENNESS. 

This disease, caused by the presence of fluke- 
worms (the Fasciola hepatica) in the liver or bile ducts, 
is characterized chiefly by great depression and sad- 
ness. The animal carries the head down ; appetite 
diminishes ; the eyes become watery, they are red, 
then at a later period yellowish, and full of purulent 
matter ; the pulsations are weak, the breathing be- 
comes difficult ; the nose, mouth, gums and tongue 
assume a bad color, and a fetid odor ; the excrements 
are white, watery and fetid. By degrees the beast 
wasts away, the teeth are loose, fever supervenes, the 
extremities are cold, the abdomen becomes com- 
pressed, there is manifest fluctuation, and the animal 
dies in a complete state of emaciation. This disease 
makes its appearance principally after damp seasons, 
in low districts, and occasions great ravages ; and so 
much greater, if it be mistaken at its commencement, 
and if no efforts have been made to combat it until no 
hope of recovery remains. The symptoms most likely 
to cause one to suspect the presence of fluke-worms, 
are the morbid look of the beast, its inertness, the yel- 
lowish tint of the parts divested of hair, hardness of 
the skin, hair dull and erect, irregularity of appetite, 
of digestion, and of the alvine evacuations. The flukes 
sometimes exist in immense quantity in the liver, 
which becomes tumefied, and chiefly in the biliary 



240 RUMINATION SPONGE . 

ducts. Among the means to be employed, graphites 
and lycopodium occupy the first place. Helleborus 
niger is also recommended, when the difficulty of the 
respiration announces commencing hydrothorax ; and 
mercurius vivus when the excrements are white and 
fetid. I have sometimes employed the first dynamiza- 
tion of sulphur with the greatest success. 

RUMINATION. 

Rumination is more or less disturbed in most serious 
diseases, and does not return to its normal state till 
after a cure has been effected. However, it occasion- 
ally happens that it is not restored, or that it is the 
only function in which any derangement is observed. 
In such cases arsenicum is very useful. If two or 
three doses produce no effect, the medicine should be 
repeated, to be alternated with aconitum. Pulsatilla 
is recommended as possessing considerable powers, 
when the disturbance of rumination assumes a chronic 
form, or occurs only from time to time. 

SPONGE. 

This name is applied to a round, spongy tumor, 
which is developed on the knee, generally after an 
external injury. In general this swelling is first hot 
and painful; but after a time it becomes cold and 
indolent. When recent it is sometimes cured with 
arnica externally and internally ; if it do not yield, or 
if before this treatment it was already completely de- 
veloped , it is to be treated with chamomilla ; if there 
be already induration, conium and ledum are the reme- 
dies to be employed. When the disease becomes 
inveterate, it requires sulphur, antimonium crudum, 
petroleum and sepia ; that which occasions itching and 
pain, iodium, rhus toxicodendron and Pulsatilla, alter- 
nately with conium. When it commences to ooze, 
silicea. Arnica, silicea and chamomilla have effected 



SPRAIN SWELLING OP THE BONES. 241 

a cure in a case where the tumor had been injudi- 
ciously opened. During the treatment, as also to 
prevent the disease, the animal must be supplied with 
plenty of soft litter. 

SPRAIN. 

A sprain, when the result of a false step, brings on 
lameness more or less perceptible, and when it is 
severe, a hot tumefaction in the neighborhood of the 
joint. The accident, when of recent date, promptly 
yields to a?nica, employed both internally and exter- 
nally. Otherwise, or if there be much pain from the 
commencement, as also much swelling and lameness, 
rhus toxicodendron, and especially ruta should be ad- 
ministered, which latter remedy in such cases possesses 
specific virtues. 

STINGS OF INSECTS. 

The stings of bees, wasps and hornets, give rise to 
considerable swellings, with- inflammation and pain ; 
in such cases fomentations with arnica water are 
always employed with success. If a cow has been 
attacked by an entire swarm, arnica should be given 
internally also. Camphorated brandy would also 
produce good effects. 

SWELLING OF THE BONES. 

Swelling of the bones, exostoses or soft tumors, owe 
their origin sometimes to external causes, sometimes 
to internal. Such tumors are observed less frequently 
in oxen than in horses. If they arise from a mecha- 
nical injury, arnica, or better still, Symphytum (exter- 
nally and internally) is sufficient to cure them. If they 
depend on internal causes, they are to be treated with 
mercurius vivus, acidum phosphoricum, angustura, sili- 
cea and sulphur ; and in obstinate cases, with carho 
animalis, and ammonium carbonicum. 

21 



242 TIC TUBERCLES. 



TIC, 



This chronic affection, free from fever, is mostly 
confined to cows, which, though they may eat more 
than usual, become very much emaciated, and yield 
only watery milk. They gnaw wood, leather, rags, 
earth, &c, and swallow these different things so much 
the more greedily in proportion as their appetite for 
ordinary food diminishes. Gradually the hair stares, 
the eye becomes dull, the gait slow, and the animal 
dies of consumption. The disease evidently depends 
on disturbance of digestion. It is accompanied by a 
marked degree of softening of the bones. Small 
vesicles, containing a yellowish liquid, are also said to 
have been observed from time to time beneath the 
tongue. The remedy for this disease is Pulsatilla, 
then comes mix vomica. Natrum muriaticum succeeds 
when the animal, rejecting its ordinary food, evinces 
a depraved appetite. The increased appetite which 
frequently depends on the presence of worms, yields 
to china and silicea, or to china when there is great 
debility and depression. 

TUBERCLES. 

Tubercles, occasioned by a mechanical cause, gen- 
erally yield to arnica, which is to be administered 
both internally and externally. If abscesses form, 
they are to be treated as has been stated under this 
head. Tubercles from cold are combated with bry- 
onia and dulcamara ; and those which arise from the 
stings of insects, with arnica and belladonna. Those 
referrible to an internal disease are difficult to cure. 
Besides the means indicated under different other 
heads, we may also try : ledum, especially in obstinate 
cases; silicea, arsenicum, baryta carbonica, slaphysa- 
gria and sulphur, when there is itching ; chamomilla 
and bryonia, against tubercles on the breast. 



TUMORS WOUNDS. 243 



TUMORS. 

Tumors vary much with respect to their constitu- 
tion and the region of the body where they make their 
appearance. Those arising from an external cause, 
are, for the most part, hot, at least at the commence- 
ment ; these are to be treated with arnica (internally 
and externally), which is to be followed by arsenicum? 
or, when there is pain, by conium. Those which de- 
pend on internal causes, require bryonia, chiefly in 
cases of cold, or china and arsenicum alternately, or 
sulphur, or mercurius vivus. 

Aurum and belladonna are the principal remedies 
for tumors on the head ; baryta carbonica for those on 
the lower jaw. With respect to tumors on the chest, 
aconitum and bryonia are suitable, if they are owing 
to cold ; arnica, if they are the consequence of com- 
pression. When they are covered with scabs, thuja 
should be given, and after some days, sulphur. 

WOUNDS. 

Wounds of small extent are cured in a very little 
time by the use of arnica externally. In such as are 
deeper, arnica must be administered internally also. 
Symphytum is useful whenever there has been any 
lesion of the bones or periosteum. Conium should be 
employed in the case of wounds resulting from com- 
pression or contusion ; and in the case of those which 
are accompanied with luxation, rhus toxicodendron 
alternately with arnica. When a wound has occa- 
sioned great loss of blood, china is useful to combat 
the debility caused by the hemorrhage. The trau- 
matic fever, which is generally associated with wounds 
of a certain extent, yields to arnica and aconitum, em- 
ployed alternately. Extensive wounds are never 
cured without suppuration ; this is generally set up five 
or six days after the inj ury ; and as long as it wears a 



244 ANASARCA. 

healthy character, art should not interfere ; but if the 
pus be turbid and have a bad smell, asafcetida and 
mercurius vivus should be employed ; if it be thick 
and have a bad color, silicea ; if proud-flesh make its 
appearance, chamomilla, sepia, and arsenicum. 



SECTION II 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



ANASARCA. 



The effusion of serum into the subcutaneous cellular 
tissue, often accompanies hydrothorax or ascites ; but 
occasionally, too, it is observed alone in different parts 
of the body. What distinguishes the swelling then 
from all others, is that it does not feel hot to the touch, 
and retains the pressure of the finger. China and 
arsenicum, employed alternately, are a capital remedy, 
especially when the anasarca is owing to ascites or 
hydrothorax. Lycopodium also displays great virtues 
in treating dropsical swellings in different parts of the 
body. Bryonia is suitable whenever the disease de- 
pends on cold, and there is at the same time constipa- 
tion, with embarrassment of the respiration. Pulsatilla 
is indicated also in case of diarrhoea. Dulcamara 
should be employed when the swelling has appeared 
after sudden cold ; belladonna when the swelling cre- 
pitates under the finger. CEdema of the legs requires 
secede cornutum alternately with arsenicum, and then 
sepia. Indigo, china, thuja, sulphur, and when there 
is tension in the joints, Bryonia, are also recommended. 



CHOPS, OR CRACKS EXANTHEMES. 245 



CHOPS, OR CRACKS. 

Indurations and cracks in the skin arise, sometimes 
from an internal disease ; sometimes, in yoked oxen, 
from continued walking in marshy grounds, occasion- 
ally from the inconsiderate application of caustics to 
spongy excrescences. Arnica and arsenicum, applied 
externally, generally remove the disease, without there 
being any necessity to have recourse to internal reme- 
dies, especially when the matter is not of long stand- 
ing. Spiritus sulphur atus is a specific for oozing 
cracks; sepia, in cases where the skin, dry and indu- 
rated, is detached in large patches, beneath which new 
cracks are constantly forming. Mercurius vivus was 
found effectual also in an obstinate case, w r here entire 
flakes of the soft parts became detached. Chamomilla, 
conium, mercurius solubilis, and acidum phosphoricum, 
are of great service in treating simple indurations of 
the skin. Acidum phosphoricum is particularly useful 
when the indurated points contract in the form of 
ridges and wrinkles. 

Cracks on the knee are, like all external lesions, to 
be treated with arnica 'water ; arnica is also to be 
given internally, when they are extensive. When the 
patella is more or less engaged, Symphytum is the 
remedy to be employed. Abscesses in the knee, the 
consequence of neglected injury in this limb, are to be 
treated like abscesses of other parts. 

EXANTHEMES. 

An exantheme is a disease more or less obstinate, 
which appears under a great variety of forms, (spots, 
tubercles, vesicles, scales, scabs,) and sometimes con- 
stitutes a purely local affection, sometimes is con- 
nected with an inveterate morbid state. The most 
certain means of curing and preventing all exanthema- 
tous diseases, is to have recourse to the remedies 
21* 



246 GOITRES. 

called isopathic, which take the name of antipsoricum 
when they are prepared with the morbific principle 
yielded by the animal itself. But other remedies, 
again called antipsoric, and among which sulphur 
figures, are of considerable efficacy in this respect. 

In all chronic diseases attention should be directed 
to the psora, which occasions them. It will be right, 
then, to begin and end the treatment with some doses 
of sulphur, if there be no special contra-indications. 
At the end of about fifteen days, the antipsoricum 
should be given ; then, at the end of the same lapse of 
time, the medicine which agrees best with the actual 
state of the patient ; after which we should return to 
the antipsoricum, and so on. The last antipsoricum 
is suffered to act longer than the others, and the treat- 
ment is to be terminated with sepia and some doses of 
sulphur, or with sulphur alone, according to circum- 
stances. 

As this course of proceeding does not always suc- 
ceed, we are forced to have recourse to other means. 
Staphysagria and dulcamara are those most frequently 
employed after a couple of doses of sulphur ; staphy- 
sagria is more especially indicated in dartrous erup- 
tions accompanied with itching, more especially during 
the night ; dulcamara, in vesicular eruptions filled with 
a yellowish liquid, those principally which succeed a 
sudden cold, as also in dry and furfuraceous dartres. 
Mezereum is useful in itchy tubercles, with redness of 
the skin; arsenicum in eruptions accompanied with 
periodical diarrhoea or with loss of appetite, or dis- 
turbed digestion ; thuja in those which come out on 
the lower part of the limbs. 

GOITRES. 

This name is applied to a swelling, sometimes acute, 
sometimes chronic, which generally appears on the 
left side of the larynx, obliging the animal to carry 



ITCH, OR MANGE. 247 

the head forwards, and causing it to bellow in a 
frightful manner. It is only in acute cases there is 
pain ; the cough, however, which accompanies this 
disease is painful, and the voice hoarse. The chief 
remedy is drosera after some doses of aeonitum ; in 
chronic cases, this is to be administered alternately 
with hepar sulphuris. Benefit has been also obtained 
from two doses of belladonna, administered at short 
intervals. 

ITCH, OR MANGE. 

In the dry itch, the animals have a great disposition 
to scratch themselves, to rub one against the other, 
which eventually wears away the hair. They repeat 
this until the skin becomes excoriated and is made to 
bleed. The parts exposed to the friction soon be- 
come stripped of hair ; the skin is wrinkled, dirty in 
appearance, powdery, or else there are observed on 
it small superficial ulcerations surrounded with furfur- 
aceous scabs. Beneath these scabs there are found 
small pustules, which, after being opened, resemble 
corroding ulcerations. The fluid secreted is limpid, 
and soon becomes thick, so as to form scabs, which 
are piled one upon the other. This form of itch 
attacks meagre, ill-fed, and aged animals. It is seated 
chiefly in the head, neck, on the shoulders, haunches 
and tail. 

The moist itch is characterized by ulcers of greater 
extent, which penetrating deeply into the skin, secrete 
a reddish ichor, and become covered with scabs 
thicker than those of the preceding variety. It is ob- 
served on the neck and at the base of the tail, but 
sometimes it extends over the entire body. The 
hairs fall, the skin becomes chopped, and the animal, 
if left to itself, falls into a state of marasmus, or be- 
comes dropsical. 

Some doses of sulphur (one a day) is the first 



248 PHTHIRIASIS — WARTS. 

remedy to be employed. Then staphysagria should 
be administered, more especially when there are dart- 
rous eruptions, with itching during the night. Dulca- 
mara is good in the vesicular eruption, with yellowish 
serosity, which comes on after sudden cold, and which 
is accompanied by a discharge from the nose, as well 
as in dry and furfuraceous dark-colored eruptions. 
Mezereum is indicated in itchy tubercles, with redness 
of the skin ; arsenicwn, in case the appetite is impaired, 
with periodical diarrhoea. 

PHTHIRIASIS. 

Like other domestic animals, oxen have occasion- 
ally such a quantity of lice, that they not only become 
disgusting from them, but they also suffer and pine 
away. This happens chiefly with calves and young 
beasts. The lice lodge more especially behind the 
horns and ears, at the back of the neck, on the withers, 
and on the sides of the dewlap. They are destroyed 
in a few days with a decoction of staphysagria, or 
with a pommade prepared with three parts of axunge 
and one part of parsley-seed pounded. 

WARTS. 

Warts appear on the breast, belly, back, neck, tail ; 
sometimes smooth, round, soft and broad ; sometimes 
pediculated, chapped, spongy, hard and dry, or moist, 
painful or without feeling. For the cure of warts 
which are dry, smooth, and not pediculated, dulcamara 
should be employed, and in some cases sulphur ; for 
those which are ulcerated, arsenicum ; for those which 
bleed readily and cause pain, causticum. Excres- 
cences which are moist, incrusted, chapped, presenting 
a disgusting appearance, and frequently of an enor- 
mous size, require thuja, externally and internally, and 
the employment of this remedy must be continued for 
a long time. Small warts on the lips yield to calcarea 
carbonica. 



DISEASES OF THE EARS — - APHTILE. 249 

SECTION III. 

DISEASES OF THE BRAIN, EYES, MOUTH, &C. 



DISEASES OF THE EARS. 

Inflammation of the ears is in general the result of 
foreign bodies, portions of straw, the larvee of insects, 
&c, which penetrate into those organs. The animal 
inclines the head towards the affected side, frequently 
shakes it, rubs the ear against the wall, or applies the 
hind foot to it. On making examination, we almost 
always find the concha swollen, and full of mucus or 
purulent fluid. If there be a foreign body in it, it 
should be removed, and arnica water be injected with 
a small syringe. If insects are the cause, a little oil is 
to be poured into the ear. If the inflammation from 
being neglected has passed into suppuration, the means 
mentioned under the head suppuration must be resorted 
to. When a real abscess is formed, arsenicum is the 
remedy to be employed. However, Pulsatilla is very 
useful in deep-seated abscesses. When the swelling 
has been caused by insects, the ear should be well 
washed, and arnica water injected into it. Petroleum 
is by some considered the best remedy in such cases. 
Some doses of sulphur must be taken internally. 

APHTHA. 

This disease is common enough in calves. The 
animal affected refuses to suck and wastes away. After 
a careful examination, small vesicles are discovered 
on the tongue and gums, surmounting a softened 



250 ANTHRAX OF THE TONGUE. 

tissue : the mouth is full of saliva of bad odor and also 
frothy. The means to be employed are : acidum 
muriaticum, acidum phosphoricum and borax. One 
or two doses of sulphur should be given to the mother. 
Touching the aphthae with borax or any other sub- 
stance can be of no use, as it results from a stomachic 
affection. 

ANTHRAX OF THE TONGUE. 

When oxen are subjected to a species of life which 
engenders typhus, or which favors its development, it 
sometimes happens that the pestilential principle 
attacks the tongue in preference, in which case anthrax 
of this organ comes on, a disease extremely contagious, 
and mostly fatal. Carbuncle of the tongue is ordi- 
narily announced by a profuse saliva from the mouth, 
great distress and tumefaction of the tongue. On ex- 
amining the mouth, we discover on this latter organ 
small vesicles full of turbid liquid, or small tubercles sur- 
rounded with a bluish circle. The vesicles burst, and 
fill the mouth with fetid liquid : on the tubercles, on 
the contrary, there are raised pustules, which, at first 
of a whitish yellow, become afterwards brownish or 
blackish, and often attain the size of a nut. These 
pustules contain an ichor which corrodes the neigh- 
boring parts ; and on the vesicle itself after it 
has collapsed, there forms a brown scab, beneath 
which an ichor collects, which produces corroding 
ulcers, so that the entire tongue soon becomes the 
prey of gangrene, and comes away in pieces. The 
gangrene soon attacks the pharynx and stomach also, 
and death takes place amidst incredible pain with 
shivering and tumefaction of the belly. 

The cure is not possible unless the case be taken up 
in proper time, and a suitable treatment be adopted. 
When the pustules have already opened of themselves, 
and the animal has swallowed their contents, he 



DIZZINESS. 251 

is lost beyond recovery. The first thing to be done 
then, is to scrape them with a curved knife, an iron 
spoon, or a wisp of straw, after which the part is to 
be well cleaned, by means of a cloth steeped in oil. 
During this operation, the animal's head must be held 
low, in order that he may not swallow any of the ichor, 
and care must be taken that the operator may not be 
touched with this fluid, as it produces both in the 
human subject, and in animals, malignant and gan- 
grenous ulcerations. Therefore the operations should 
not be undertaken until after the hands have been 
carefully covered with gloves, or have been well oiled. 
Once the pustules have been removed, the tongue 
should be touched every day with a cloth steeped in 
water, to which some drops of arsenicum have been 
added. This plan will suffice in most cases. If 
symptoms of the disease still remain, for instance, a 
fetid state of the breath, &c, such means should be 
adopted as shall be mentioned under the head of 

STOMACACE. 

DIZZINESS. 

Animals affected with this disease, fortunately rare 
among oxen, are never cheerful, and they generally have 
a rather miserable appearance. Sometimes the fit 
comes on in the stable ; the animal turns the head and 
neck more or less to one side, then staggers and falls. 
When the animal is made to go out, it immediately 
turns round about, the head always looking towards the 
centre of the circle, then staggers, falls, arises after a 
few moments, and again commences to turn round, or 
enjoy some hours of rest. If the disease be still at 
its commencement, the animal at first turns slowly, 
then quicker and quicker, until at length it falls. The 
attacks become more and more frequent, and at length 
return every time the animal is made to go out. The 
cause is the same as that in the case of sheep, viz., the 



252 ENCEPHALITIS. 

presence of a hydatid in the brain. Inflammation of the 
brain and traumatic lesions also seem to contribute to 
its development. Belladonna is particularly useful 
at the onset of the disease ; two or three doses are to 
be taken daily, until the symptoms have disappeared, 
after which the doses are to be given at longer intervals, 
and the treatment terminated with Sulphur. 

ENCEPHALITIS. 

Inflammation of the brain, much more uncommon in 
oxen than in horses, generally comes on rapidly under 
the influence of a hot sun, of a sudden change of 
temperature, or of a blow on the head. Sometimes it 
appears all at once, and sometimes it is announced by 
certain precursory symptoms, such as vertigo, unsteady 
gait, appearance of drunkenness, and great depres- 
sion. The head hangs, the eyes are bright and pro- 
minent, the head, ears and horns are hot, the hair is 
bristled, appetite gone. The animal becomes furious, 
it strikes its head against the walls, tears the halters 
that tie him, and becomes convulsed in different parts 
of the body. When let loose, he runs about on every 
side, then after two or three days, seems to experience 
some relaxation, and dies suddenly. Occasionally 
encephalitis terminates in cerebral dropsy, for which 
reason it should be watched from the commencement, 
and even after it is cured, we should not lose sight of 
the patient for some time. Aconitum is the first and 
chief remedy, before the disease is yet fully developed. 
It is given in frequent doses separated by short inter- 
vals. When there is heat in the mouth, eyes, horns, 
and the animal rests its head against the wall or man- 
ger ; or when, melancholy and almost devoid of con- 
sciousness, it allows it to hang ; the best medicine is 
belladonna, also to be given in repeated doses, espe- 
cially when the look is frantic, with swelling of the 
vessels of the head and pulsation of those of the neck. 



OPHTHALMIA. 253 

Sulphur should be given as consecutive treatment. 
Hyoscyamus is indicated, more especially when bella- 
donna does not suffice, a thing which seldom happens. 
If there is suddenly a calm, stupor, or somnolence, or 
if the disease has been occasioned by insolation, opium 
is to be prescribed without delay. Veratrum is indi- 
cated when the animal throws itself about and places 
itself against the wall. 

GLOSSITIS, (INFLAMMATION OF THE 
TONGUE. ) 

Inflammation of the tongue, rather a common affec- 
tion which arises almost always from a traumatic lesion, 
prevents the animal from eating, and causes the organ 
to hang more or less out of the mouth, requires more 
especially the employment of aconitum, and of mercu- 
rius vivus. Acidum nitri also is said to be very effect- 
ual, especially in dry inflammation. Car bo vegetabilis 
is specific in treating induration succeeding to inflam- 
mation : conium, lycopodium and silicea^ are also re- 
commended in this case. 

Cases by Schmayer, extracted from the Zooiasis of 
Lux. — I have had an opportunity three times of ob- 
serving this disease, which is not common, and gener- 
ally comes after a traumatic lesion. Once, in a bull, 
it was so severe, that the tongue, enormously swollen, 
could no longer find room in the mouth, out of which 
it hung constantly. There was high inflammatory 
fever, with sore throat. I at once prescribed aconitum, 
sixty drops of the tincture in a pint of water, to be 
taken eight times. On the second day, there was a 
perceptible amendment ; the tongue had returned into 
the mouth. On the third day, the animal was able to 
drink bran and water. On the fourth he was cured. 

OPHTHALMIA. 

The most common causes of ophthalmia are exter- 
nal violence ; the penetration of a foreign body into 
22 



254 OPHTHALMIA. 

the eye ; cold, owing to a sudden change of tempera- 
ture ; and an internal morbid disposition. 

Ophthalmia by an external cause is very frequent. 
The eye, at first brilliant and dry, soon becomes dull 
and watery ; the animal closes it against the light ; the 
eye-lids are hot, tumefied and painful to the touch ; 
after some time, they are glued together by means of 
mucus. The cure is easily effected, when the case is 
taken in time ; otherwise ophthalmia may bring on 
fatal consequences. The treatment is commenced 
with a few doses of aconitum, which is to be employed 
at first from hour to hour ; then at longer intervals. 
Afterwards arnica should be resorted to. If it be too 
late, conium must be given, which is also indicated 
when aconitum and arnica have removed the inflam- 
matory symptoms, but there is an exudation between 
the laminae of the cornea. Cannabis, belladonna or 
euphrasia, in two ounces of distilled water, form an 
excellent topical application ; but they should also be 
used internally. If the ophthalmia has been occa- 
sioned by a foreign body introduced into the eye, it 
calls for a different mode of treatment. We com- 
mence by extracting the foreign body with a bit of 
moistened linen ; conium then removes the symptoms, 
and if there have been any injury, arnica should be 
prescribed, both externally and internally. Ophthal- 
mia caused by cold, soon yields to aconitum, bryonia, 
dulcamara, and euphrasia. When the disease pro- 
ceeds from an internal cause, it is hereditary, or de- 
pends on the deposition on the eye of a morbific prin- 
ciple difficult to be determined. In this case, the eye 
is turbid and the lids are contracted. An apparent 
improvement is sometimes observed to come on, as in 
the periodical ophthalmia of horses ; the eye becomes 
almost clear ; but after some time, it again becomes 
turbid, and often entirely white. Things remain for 
a long time in this state, the inflammation continuing 
from eight to twelve days, then ceasing, and returning 



SWELLING OF THE HEAD LOOSE TEETH. 255 

after a month or six weeks. During the first year, the 
disease generally attacks but one eye ; but afterwards 
it affects the other also. When it has lasted two years, 
there is little hope of curing it. The chief means to 
be employed are sulphur, euphrasia, Pulsatilla, canna- 
bis, conium and causticum. Belladonna might also be 
tried. It is stated that calcarea carbonica has been 
useful in the case of turbid vision with a bluish tint of 
the cornea — the lids not being affected. 

SWELLING OF THE HEAD. 

It is not uncommon for the head to be swollen in 
oxen, either in consequence of cold, or from the effect 
of an internal morbid predisposition. Aurum and 
belladonna are the chief remedies to be employed. 
Baryta carbonica should be used when the tumefaction 
is hard and lardaceous ; arnica (internally and exter- 
nally), when it has been caused by pressure of the 
yoke. 

TEETH, (SHAKING OR LOOSE.) 

This affection, which is very common in oxen, im- 
pedes them very much in eating. Carbo vegetabilis 
is very effectual in this case. If there be salivation at 
the same time, as happens almost always, and great 
sensibility of the gums, mercurius vivus should be 
given. It is stated that mercurius solubilis has pro- 
duced useful results in the first of these two cases, and 
staphysagria in the second. 

TONGUE, (LESIONS OF.) 

It sometimes happens that a cow cannot eat, or eats 
only very slowly, carrying its tongue to the right and 
left, though no trace of disease can be discovered in 
it. If the mouth be then well examined, it is some- 
times found that the tongue has been wounded by a 
foreign body mixed with the fodder, that a small piece 



256 VERTIGO. 

of wood, for instance, has been introduced into it, so 
that it has been attacked with inflammation, and has 
become painful. The first thing to be done is to ex- 
tract the foreign body, after which the wound should 
be washed several times a day with arnica water, and 
nothing but soft tender fodder should be given to the 
animal until it has been entirely cured. If the tongue 
should become indurated, car bo animalis should be 
administered ; and if to this salivation be added, mer- 
curius vivus is specific. Sometimes the animal bites 
the tongue so as to wound it considerably. Here also 
arnica must be employed, both externally and inter- 
nally. 

TRISMUS OF THE JAWS. 

This dangerous disease is uncommon among horned 
cattle, and, perhaps, never appears except after castra- 
tion injudiciously performed. The treatment is the 
same as in the case of horses. 

VERTIGO. 

This affection is observed more especially in oxen 
employed in draught. It is frequently the result of 
great fatigue during hot weather ; the animal staggers 
on a sudden and falls to the ground, where he remains 
for a time stretched and motionless. The last charac- 
ter distinguishes vertigo from epilepsy. Aconitum 
affords instantaneous relief. If the vertigo be very 
severe, stramonium and cocculus are to be employed. 
Arnica is indicated when the animal inclines to the 
right, or seems drunk, and holds the head very low. 
China and cocculus are indicated when the smallest 
exertion distresses the animal very much. 



ANGINA. 257 



SECTION IV. 

DISEASES OF THE TRACHEA, RESPIRATORY ORGANS, &C. 



ANGINA. 

Angina owes its origin to different causes which ir- 
ritate very much the mucous membranes of the organs 
of deglutition and of respiration ; for instance, expo- 
sure to cold after being heated, when the animal takes 
cold drink, or remains exposed to the action of a cold 
and moist atmosphere. It is this which renders the 
disease very common, chiefly in spring, when the 
season is cold and moist. It may also depend on ex- 
ternal lesions, on the use of acrid food, &c. The 
symptoms differ according as it attacks the organs of 
deglutition, or those of respiration. In the former 
case, deglutition is very difficult and painful ; the ani- 
mal still takes sufficient quantity of food, but he does 
not masticate it, he soon returns it ; and when he 
drinks, a great portion of the fluid returns by the nose. 
There escapes from the mouth at first ordinary saliva, 
then at the expiration of some days, a considerable 
quantity of mucus ; the tongue is often swollen, and 
the animal evinces pain, when the back part of the 
throat is examined. If the inflammation is directed 
chiefly to the organs of respiration, especially the 
larynx, the mucous membrane of the glottis and upper 
part of the trachea, deglutition suffers less than the 
respiration, especially the inspiration : there is dry 
cough, and often a threatening of suffocation. When 
the inflammation diminishes a little, a copious and 
viscid mucus escapes by the nose. In both cases the 
22* 



258 ANGINA. 

inflammation of the external parts of the throat is the 
predominant symptom, and there is generally observed 
externally an inflammatory swelling, painful to the 
touch. In order to facilitate the respiration, the ani- 
mal holds his head on the stretch and immovable : 
the pulse is hard and frequent, the alvine evacuations 
dry and hard, thirst great, but the animal cannot sat- 
isfy it, the fluids always returning by the nose. 

The first remedy, in this oftentimes rather danger- 
ous disease, is aconitum, which generally suffices when 
we have recourse to it in time ; we are to administer 
from two to four doses within the space of from three 
to four hours. If the respiratory organs are more es- 
pecially affected, so that the respiration is difficult, 
loud, w r histling, or if there be a swelling painful exter- 
nally, some doses of spongia marina are to be given. 
Hepar sulphuris has been found very effectual in the 
second case, and likewise bryonia. When the angina 
affects more particularly the organs of deglutition, so 
that liquids cannot be swallowed, and return always 
by the nostrils, the look of the animal being fixed and 
wild, belladonna acts as a specific. Capsicum is suita- 
ble in inflammation of the mucous membranes of the 
throat, with kinks of coughing, and without any ap- 
preciable fever. Antimonium crudum may also be 
then tried with success. When an external lesion, as 
a blow, &c. has occasioned external swelling and in- 
flammation of the neck, in consequence of which an 
angina has supervened, we are to give some doses of 
aconitum, then arnica, which are sufficient in many 
instances, unless the inflammation has made too much 
progress. If after the inflammatory symptoms have 
been removed, there remains a swelling in the neck, 
we should have recourse to baryta carbonica, and when 
that is not sufficient, to hepar sulphuris. 



CATARRH. 259 



CATARRH. 

A crowd of very different diseases owe their origin 
to a cold ; whether the animal, after having been 
heated, remains exposed to the impression of a cold 
air, or it be allowed to drink cold water too soon. 
When the entire system has suffered more or less, the 
affection is accompanied with fever of greater or less 
severity ; some doses of aconitum, the first remedy to 
be employed in such cases, never fail to produce ex- 
cellent effects. If the cold affect but a part of the 
body, we scarcely ever observe any fever, and bryonia 
is to be administered. In many cases considerable 
benefit has been obtained from dulcamara, nux vomica, 
and rhus toxicodendron. Arsenicum is good when the 
digestion is disturbed, or the complaint has been occa- 
sioned by a cold drink. 

CATARRH, ( PULMONARY.) 

The hoarse and hollow cough which some oxen 
have, more especially after fatigue, or when the weather 
is rough and they are made to drink cold water, is 
frequently the consequence of a neglected pneumonia, 
or one that has been badly treated ; but it is also met 
in other diseases, as, for instance, in hydrothorax. 
The principal means to be employed in such cases, as 
well as in the case of cough in general are : dulcamara 
and bryonia, in the cough which has succeeded to a 
cold ; nux vomica in the dry and loud cough ; aconi- 
tum and arsenicum in that which comes on every time 
the animal drinks cold water ; drosera, in that which 
has already become chronic ; Pulsatilla and hyoscya- 
mus, in that which is dry and returns in kinks ; chamo- 
milla, in dry cough with diarrhoea ; ammonium muria- 
ticum, cuprum and bryonia, in inveterate cough ; and, 
in general, sulphur, in many cases of distressing and 
more especially obstinate coughs. 



260 HYDROTHORAX. 



COUGH, 



When the cough lasts for a longer time than that 
occasioned by dust introduced into the throat, it is the 
result of cold, and readily cured by confinement to 
the stable, and the remedies presently to be mentioned. 
That which is at first dull and hollow, excited by the 
least effort, and more particularly violent after the 
animal has drunk, generally indicates a more or less 
serious affection of the lung. If a severe cough attack 
the animal, great attention must be paid to it, because 
in such cases we frequently have to treat commencing 
hydrothorax. 

The means to be adopted when no other symptoms 
of disease are observed, are : dulcamara, in cough 
by cold ; bryonia (in repeated doses,) in inveterate 
cough ; belladonna and drosera, in chronic cough ; hy- 
oscyamus when the attacks are very frequent ; squilla, 
in cough which comes on after fatigue, and which in- 
terferes with the respiration ; chamomilla, in dry cough, 
with diarrhoea ; pidsatilla, in frequent attacks of dry 
cough, with loss of appetite ; spiritus sulphuratus in 
very obstinate cough. When the cough is the symp- 
tom of another disease, it yields to the treatment re- 
quired by the latter. 

HYDROTHORAX. 

This disease, which practitioners of the old school de- 
signated by different names more or less well selected, 
consists essentially in an abnormal accumulation of 
water in the chest. It makes its appearance some- 
times sporadically, sometimes as an enzootic, but never 
an epizootic disease, for it is not propagated either by 
contact or by air, that is to say, neither by contagion nor 
by infection. It is frequently observed in low, damp, 
marshy countries, where the cattle are turned to graze, 
or chiefly along rivers, consequently in pastures that 



HYDROTHORAX. 261 

are best for cows ; but it is observed also under other 
circumstances, chiefly during spring, and cold and 
damp autumns. It is uncommon in elevated and dry 
districts, and it is scarcely ever observed in farms 
where the cows receive during the whole year nothing 
but cold drinks. 

In general its course is slow and secret, so that it is 
not discovered until there are no longer any consider- 
able resources against it by ordinary treatment. It 
manifests itself by symptoms which vary according to 
its degree of development. Lux, to whom we are 
indebted for a very good history of the disease, di- 
vides it into four stages, after the following manner : 

First stage. Respiration embarrassed, short, a sort 
of cough which increases by moving. In the state of 
rest, an ox in good health respires without much mov- 
ing of the ribs or flanks, and the number of respira- 
tions in a healthy large cow, at rest, is from sixteen to 
eighteen per minute. Peculiar distress in lying down ? 
and great constraint when the animal has lain down. 
If the animal lies better on one side than on the other ? 
it is a proof that the dropsy exists on one side only ; 
it occupies both sides when the animal cannot rest on 
either side. Cows, in a state of good health, readily 
stretch themselves on the side, after having lowered 
the anterior of the body ; those affected with hydro- 
thorax rarely lie down ; only, when they are very 
much fatigued, they place the hind-quarters on the 
ground, and seldom place themselves on the side ? 
almost always on the inferior surface of the chest and 
belly ; oftentimes they only bend the knees, and im- 
mediately stand up. 

In oxen the movements of the heart are but lightly 
felt ; they are not perceptible in the animal when 
healthy, nor when it is attacked with inflammation. 
Hence they are imperceptible, but cease to be so on 
the slightest motion. The pulse is irregular, it is less 
quick than in healthy cows. 



262 HYDROTHORAX. 

The parts surrounding the eyes, the nose, the mouth, 
the gums, the tongue, &c. are pale and puffed ; the 
eyes are sunk in the orbit, dull, and moist ; the inside 
of the nose is covered with a viscous fluid, or the 
mouth is bathed in a thick saliva ; the white of the eye 
is not inflamed ; the incisors are loose. 

Oxen, in good health, ruminate immediately after 
having eaten, and they almost invariably do so lying 
down ; such as are affected with hydrothorax rumi- 
nate in the erect posture, or stand up when they have 
lain down on commencing this act, in which, however, 
they indulge more rarely. 

The head is not pendent ; the secretion of milk di- 
minishes in cows that give milk ; the animal becomes 
sad and slow in its gait. 

These disturbances are remarked for some weeks. 

Second stage. Short, harsh cough ; the breathing 
becomes more rapid and shorter, with heavings of the 
flanks. When the lung has become indurated, cough 
is joined to the asthma. If the pulsations of the heart 
are still perceptible in the right side, and if at the same 
time the substance of a large, hard body be felt on the 
left side, the left lung is indurated. The pulse is soft 
and undulating, neither frequent nor full. No milk ; 
much mucus in the mouth. 

Third stage. The cough becomes stronger, the 
breathing very much embarrassed and stertorous, the 
breath fetid. The animal has no appetite ; it wastes 
away from day to day ; its air is very melancholy. 

Fourth stage. No more appetite nor rumination ; 
the pulse becomes smaller, harder ; there is a discharge 
from the nose of a reddish or brown and fetid ichor ; 
the animal resembles a skeleton. Death by suffoca- 
tion. 

The lungs, when they are diseased (as happens in 
most cases) attain an enormous size, sometimes double 
of that which is natural to them ; some have been 
found which weighed from forty to sixty pounds. They 



HYDROTHORAX. 263 

are converted into a solid mass ; their surface is fre- 
quently adherent to the pleura costalis, of a reddish or 
brown color, covered with a yellow and dirty froth, 
about a finger in thickness, and often with a false 
membrane of a greyish color, thick and cellular, in 
the interstices of which there is contained a fetid ichor 
"When cut, they are found hard, like a fleshy mass, 
traversed with cartilages and collections of pus ; this 
section is reddish and white, like that of a sausage. 
The portion which has remained sound is sometimes so 
small that we can hardly conceive how life could have 
been prolonged for so long a time. Serum is found 
also in the pericardium The other viscera are gener- 
ally healthy. 

At the onset of the disease there is found only some 
yellowish serum in the chest, and the lungs are 
healthy, which, however, does not prevent the animal 
from dying somtimes from suffocation, with such 
rapidity does the fluid increase. Also when the serum 
is abundant, the lungs are observed to be healthy either 
wholly or in part ; whilst in those cases where those 
organs are indurated there is but little fluid. The 
latter becomes coagulated, and forms a jelly when ex- 
posed to the air. 

Whenever, after spring, or a damp and cold autumn, 
a horned animal coughs when it lies down frequently, 
and its milk becomes diminished, there is reason to ap- 
prehend hydrothorax. In the ordinary catarrhal cough, 
the secretion of milk does not diminish ; the animal 
eats and ruminates as usual, it is able to lie down, 
and no marked disturbance is observed in any of its 
functions. 

With respect to treatment, it is, according to Lux, as 
simple as it is certain. The remedy is kali carbonicum, 
a half-pound or pound of which is required by one 
adult cow. One ounce of it is to be taken each day, 
one half in the morning, and one half in the evening, 
dissolved in a half-pint of water. Weaker doses would 



264 PHTHISIS. 

be insufficient. A half-ounce is enough for calves a 
year old. The improvement soon becomes manifest. 
The difficulty of breathing diminishes, as also the 
cough ; the appetite and rumination are restored, the 
animal begins to be able to lie down, the milk returns, 
and in fifteen days health is restored. There is no ne- 
cessity for consecutive treatment. 

As a preservative, each cow is made to take twice a 
week a handful of wood ashes in its drink, and this 
immediately on its leaving the stable, at the close of 
winter, especially in low countries, when the spring is 
cold and damp. Care must be taken not to give the 
animal any hot food. 

A fact worth remarking is, that it has been ascer- 
tained that great drinkers of bran and water, which con- 
tains more or less potash, to render it more frothy, are 
frequently affected with dropsy of the chest, which 
proves that ~kali carbonicum really acts homoeopathically 
in this disease. 

I have not had an opportunity of trying the treat- 
ment proposed by Lux ; but I have found very great 
benefit from china and arsenicum, when taken alter- 
nately. 

PHTHISIS. 

Phthisis pulmonalis, a serious and almost always a 
chronic disease, takes place when the lungs pass into 
a state of suppuration, in consequence of the injudi- 
cious treatment of pneumonia. It is recognized chiefly 
by the animal being unthrifty, losing its hair, chiefly 
those of the eyebrows. By degrees it loses appetite, 
becomes emaciated, and gets a hollow cough, more 
particularly after making any exertion. Digestion is 
perceptibly disturbed, rumination is performed irregu- 
larly, and there is meteorisation. On opening the 
body, tubercles are discovered, and one of the lungs 
is more or less destroyed by suppuration. Nitrum 



PNEUMONIA. 265 

given at the commencement of the disease, which, 
no doubt, is then difficult of recognition, produces 
good effects, being employed alternately with sulphur. 
If the phthisis has already become more developed, 
much good may be obtained from stannum and phos- 
phorus. Mercurius vivus has also been proposed al- 
ternately with hepar sulphuris. Colchicum is useful 
for the relief of the state of meteorisation which often 
accompanies phthisis. 

PNEUMONIA. 

When an animal very much heated is suddenly ex- 
posed to cold, and more especially when it drinks cold 
water, or remains exposed to the inclemency of the 
weather which may have become suddenly cold and 
damp, we often see an inflammation of the lungs 
come on, a disease almost always in the highest 
degree acute, which not only becomes a frequent 
cause of death, when badly treated, but degenerates 
frequently into phthisis, hydrothorax, and other affec- 
tions very difficult to cure. When this disease ap- 
pears, the animal hangs the head, the abdominal mus- 
cles are called into action, the ribs are elevated, the 
respiration is very much hurried, breath very hot, 
appetite none, thirst considerable, and there is a fre- 
quent and dry cough, which is one of the principal 
symptoms. The alvine discharges and the urine are 
very scanty. The animal does not venture to lie 
down, and when it moves, it is also by bending. In 
general, the forelegs are separated from each other, 
and the nostrils largely dilated. Some doses of aeon- 
Hum at short intervals (every hour or every two hours,) 
generally remove the violent fever, after which some 
doses of bryonia (one morning and night,) establish a 
perfect cure on the second or third day. It is scarcely 
necessary to say that the beast must be carefully 
watched for some time, and that it must be protected 
23 



266 colic. 

from damp cold. I have succeeded in curing some 
neglected cases of pneumonia by means of china and 
nitrum, after tubercles had probably been formed 
in the lungs. If the appetite is not soon restored, nux 
vomica and arsenicum should be given. 

The following medicines will also be found very 
useful, tartarus emeticus, sanguinarius canadensis, phos- 
phorus, cannabis, cinchona, rhus toxicodendron, &dc. 



SECTION V. 

DISEASES OF THE LIVER, STOMACH, AND INTESTINES. 



COLIC. 

This disease is not in general as dangerous as 
meteorism ; however, it often proves fatal, when pro- 
per remedies are not employed. It comes on generally 
after the use of indigestible food, and then manifests 
itself by constipation and thirst. After some time, a 
degree of sadness appears in the animal ; he remains 
almost always lying down ; the horns, ears, and feet, 
are alternately hot and cold, but more frequently cold. 
The paunch is much swollen. The more the consti- 
pation is prolonged, the more acute the pain becomes. 
The animal's back is arched, he groans, constantly 
views his flanks, scrapes with his fore feet, kicks with 
the hind feet, and at length expires amid grinding of 
the teeth. The curative means are aconitum (one or 
two doses,) and then arsenicum (three or four doses.) 
If these remedies diminish their sufferings a little, 



CONSTIPATION DIARRHCEA. 267 

but the constipation still continues, mix vomica is 
given, when the foecal evacuations are in small hard 
lumps ; opium, when they are blackish, as if burned, 
and when it becomes necessary to extract them from 
the rectum with the hand ; plumbum in the most 
obstinate cases, where the rectum is empty. We 
may also try carbo vegetabilis and colocynthis. Con- 
sult the articles Diarrhoea and Meteorisatiox, for 
these two symptoms are sometimes associated in 
colic. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation usually comes on after some other dis- 
ease : but sometimes it exists by itself, and is then 
most frequently attributable to cold or some irregular- 
ity in the food. The more or le^s inflammatory state 
which generally accompanies it, requires that we com- 
mence the treatment with a dose of aconitum. The 
most effectual means then is mix vomica ; it is indicat- 
ed chiefly, when the evacuations from the bowels are 
scanty, hard, covered with mucus, and when the ani- 
mal frequently draws up the belly. If there be no 
thirst, we should have recourse to china and bryonia. 
The latter remedy is also suitable when the constipa- 
tion has been produced by cold, a circumstance in 
which it frequently alternates with diarrhoea. Opium 
and argila must be employed when the inactive state 
of the intestinal tube allows nothing to escape from 
the body, and the animal remains lying down, though 
evincing no pain. In very obstinate constipation, 
where the rectum is empty, and also where only a 
small quantity of matter escapes, which is not very 
hard, plumbum never fails to be effectual. 

DIARRHCEA. 

Diarrhoea is more common in aged cattle and calves 
suckling than in middle-aged animals, where it is 



268 DIARRHOEA. 

generally of little importance, especially where it ap- 
pears in spring, at the time when the herds are sent 
out into the fields. The ordinary causes are bad food 
(green fodder in beasts not used to it, frozen potatoes, 
&c.) or atmospheric influences (sudden cold, moist- 
ure of the air,) or the bad quality of the water they 
drink. The disease presents itself under two forms, 
the acute and chronic. The acute diarrhoea which 
generally comes on in consequence of cold, is accom- 
panied by violent colic, great uneasiness and a sharp 
thirst. The excrements, which are very liquid, green 
in color and very fetid, are mixed with undigested 
food ; the animal gradually wastes away, when the 
disease continues, and frequently dies. With respect 
to chronic diarrhoea which is generally unattended 
with pain, it frequently succeeds the chronic form, and 
sometimes it depends on a bad state of the digestive 
organs. 

The cure is effected by different means. In the 
diarrhoea which bursts out suddenly, or the acute form, 
we should commence with a couple of doses of aconi- 
tum at short intervals ; after which, in most cases, 
arsenicum and ipecacuanha are very effectual. The 
diarrhoea brought on by cold often yields to aconitum 
alone, as that resulting from any irregularity in diet, 
yields to arsenic. If in the latter case there be also 
loss of appetite, and if arsenic does not effect a cure, 
Pulsatilla should be given, or when there is an abso- 
lute repugnance to food, antimonium cruditm, es- 
pecially when the diarrhoea alternates periodically 
with constipation. If there be frequent dejections 
without pain, we have recourse to rheum. Asarum is 
useful, if the evacuations are fluid, and sometimes 
mixed with bloody mucus. 

In the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, beside china, 
sulphur, chamomilla, and veratrum, which has been 
found useful more than once, Ave should employ 
acidum phosphoricum, bryonia, calcarea acetica, dulca- 



DYSENTERY. 269 

mara, magnesia carbonica, petroleum and phosphorus. 
Diarrhoea is usually accompanied with a general mor- 
bid state, with respect to which we are to choose, 
among these several means, that which suits best. 
Sulphur and arsenicum are the principal remedies for 
diarrhoea in calves. 

DYSENTERY. 

Dysentery, or inflammation of the large intestine, 
is sometimes slight, sometimes on the contrary, very 
severe, and in the latter case when not attacked in 
time, it often makes great havoc among the finest 
herds. Its appearance is occasionally preceded by 
colic or diarrhoea ; but it often comes on suddenly 
with griping, which causes the animals to moan, and 
depresses their strength with amazing rapidity. Fre- 
quently there is tenesmus ; the animal at first passes 
liquid excrements, then mere mucus mixed with 
blood, and the rectum appears external, of a deep 
red color, hot and swollen. In general the disease 
prevails only in spring and autumn ; it manifests it- 
self chiefly under the influence of sudden changes of 
temperature ; it is chiefly observed in oxen brought 
from a distance, who have walked great journeys, 
during which they have had but insufficient food, or 
food of a bad quality, or such as they have been un- 
accustomed to. 

When slight dysentery resembles severe diarrhoea, 
and requires the remedies which have been indicated 
under the head of the latter disease. When more 
violent, it resembles typhus very much, with which it 
is frequently compounded : the only difference con- 
sists in its not being contagious, and in its depending 
on meteorological causes, and others in a great meas- 
ure unknown. 

After some doses of aconitum, arsenicum is to be 
given, especially when the evacuations are liquid, or 



•23 



270 ENTERITIS. 

of a greenish color. However mercurius vivus is the 
chief remedy for this disease, more especially when 
it occurs under an epidemic form, a thing which is not 
unusual in spring and at the commencement of sum- 
mer, when very warm days alternate with cold 
nights. This remedy is specially indicated when the 
gums are pale and spongy, the teeth loose, the saliva 
from the mouth viscid and fetid, when there are fre- 
quent efforts to empty the bowels with a discharge of 
fetid wind, and scanty dejections mixed with mucus, 
which presently assume a greenish grey, or a brown 
tint, or which, accompanied with mucus and blood, 
pass away in a liquid form after great efforts ; the 
belly is swollen and painful to the touch, as also the 
lumbar region ; the rectum projects outside the anus, 
it becomes much inflated and extremely sensitive. 

In calves, diarrhoea, accompanied with emaciation 
and loss of appetite, very often puts on the dysenteric 
character ; the animal every moment passes liquid 
matter of a greenish or yellowish color. In such a 
case, pulsatilla is a specific. Benefit has also been 
obtained from chamomilla, and when the evacuations 
were white, from mercurius vivus. 

ENTERITIS. 

Enteritis, which is often accompanied by gastritis, 
is a disease almost always dangerous, and frequently 
fatal, which generally breaks out suddenly without 
precursory symptoms. The animal exhibits all at 
once great depression and marked distress, with total 
loss of appetite ; there is burning thirst ; respiration 
deep ; it groans, trembles, scrapes with the fore-feet, 
strikes with the hind-feet, often looks at the belly, the 
back becomes curved, it lies down every moment, rises 
immediately after, grinds the teeth, and is almost al- 
ways constipated, and passes nothing but round and 
hard lumps. The eyes are red and bright, the ears 



GASTRITIS. 271 

cold, as well as the horns and feet ; the belly is in gen- 
eral a little swollen, and feels pain on the slightest 
touch. The pulse is frequent, often scarcely percepti- 
ble, though the heart may beat with force. The body 
is covered with a cold sweat. At length, a calm seem- 
ing to come on, the animal commences to stamp, and 
to move the tail, which signs indicate that the inflam- 
mation has passed into gangrene ; death soon takes 
place. The disease lasts from five to ten hours. 
Cold, excess of food, more especially dry fodder, un- 
wholesome food, blows on the belly, &c. are the 
most usual causes of the disease. Aconiium is to 
be given in doses repeated every fifteen or twenty 
minutes, until the most prominent symptoms of the 
inflammation have disappeared. If this end is not 
attained after some hours, or if, notwithstanding a 
perceptible improvement, pain still remains, arsenicum 
is to be given. The medicine alternately with aconi- 
turn, has sometimes, it is said, produced good effects. 
It is particularly indicated when the disease has been 
occasioned by cold drinks, or by improper food and 
disturbance of digestion. When aconitum and arseni- 
cum fail, we must have recourse to carbo vegetabilis 
and rhus toxicodendron. 

GASTRITIS. 

This disease, which generally accompanies enteritis, 
almost invariably comes on suddenly ; it scarcely ever 
.attacks any part but the third or fourth stomach ; be- 
ing in general dangerous, it rather frequently termi- 
nates in death. The animal is dejected, restless, 
scrapes the ground with the fore-feet, strikes the belly 
with the hind-feet, lies down, then rises up, grinds the 
teeth, frequently views its flank and belly, groans, 
lows, and becomes constipated ; the eye is red, the 
look sad ; the ears cold, as also the feet and horns ; 
the belly is a little swollen and extremely sensible to 



272 HEPATITIS. 

the least touch. Spasms and colics sometimes proceed 
so far as to render the animal furious. When its state 
does not improve after some days, death is inevitable. 
The causes are the same as those of enteritis. The 
treatment should be commenced by some doses of 
aconilum, at short intervals, after which the true speci- 
fic is arsenicum, two doses of which are almost always 
sufficient. Carbo vegetabilis also at times renders 
great services. 

HEPATITIS. 

Hepatitis is more common in oxen than in horses. 
It is scarcely observed except in winter, and in ani- 
mals fed in the stable. "With respect to symptoms, it 
bears some resemblance to inflammation of the chest, 
for which reason it is often mistaken for it. The af- 
fected animal wishes to remain lying down, but always 
on the left side, with the head turned to the right. 
When pressure is made on the hepatic region, where 
the heat is greater than elsewhere, it evinces pain ; it 
eats or drinks little or nothing, and cannot walk or 
stand up without pain, constantly stumbling. If the 
disease be acute, there is high fever, with increased 
heat of the body and acceleration of the pulse ; the 
horns and ears are alternately hot and cold ; the milk 
is yellowish and bitter ; portions of the skin are stripped 
of hair ; the eyes, mouth, gums, tongue, (which is 
covered with a thick mucus,) the nose and teats are 
yellow ; the urine is of a deep yellow color ; some- 
times there is a dry and painful cough. In chronic 
hepatitis, the fever is inconsiderable or altogether ab- 
sent, but the yellow tint is more marked and more 
general ; the milk equally yellow and bitter, soon 
forms into a caseous mass, from which a yellow serum 
separates ; the right side of the body seems a little 
tense and swollen, the intestine does not empty itself, 
or the scanty dejections which take place resemble 



HERNIA. 273 

hard clay. In the acute state, the disease lasts at most 
from eight to fifteen days, whilst in the chronic form 
it often continues for whole months. All the functions 
are very feebly performed. The principal remedies 
are aconitum at first, then nux vomica alternately with 
mercurius vivus. Murias magnesias also deserves to 
be specially recommended. If the symptoms of jaun- 
dice predominate, chamomilla and mercurius vivus 
should be employed, and when hard fceces predomi- 
nate, nux vomica and bryonia. Lycopodium is useful 
in chronic hepatitis, in the same manner as when there 
are colics which disappear as long as the animal re- 
mains lying down on the left side. 

HERNIA. 

Among the varieties of hernia those most frequently 
met in cows are ventral hernia, and almost invariably 
are the result of external violence. The success of 
the treatment depends then on the size of the tumor, 
on the time it has lasted, and the rapidity with which 
it has increased. Those which have continued for a 
long time are easily cured, especially in young ani- 
mals, and so much more as they are larger ; for those 
which are small are easily strangulated, an occurrence 
which in general causes death by gangrene. A hernia 
which increases with rapidity, and which causes the 
animal acute pain, is difficult of cure. It is then bet- 
ter to kill the beast than to run the risk of losing it. 
When speaking of the diseases of horses, I pointed 
out the course to be followed in the treatment. 

Umbilical hernia takes place sometimes in calves. 
They are to be fomented twice a day with sulphuric 
acid diluted with water, which causes them to dimin- 
ish gradually and ultimately to disappear. 



274 INDIGESTION. 



INDIGESTION. 



Attacks of indigestion are very often occasioned by 
errors in diet, whether the animal does not receive the 
food suitable to its wants in sufficient quantity, or a 
regular order is not observed in the distribution of its 
meals. If we allow it to fast too long in the stable, it 
attacks greedily the fodder presented to it, and over- 
loads the stomach with it. Another cause, and one 
no less frequent, is connected with the abrupt transi- 
tion from green food to dry, or from dry to green in 
spring and autumn. It is no less mischievous to send 
beasts to graze at the time when the fields are covered 
with dew. In general, it is not right, more especially 
when the weather is bad in spring, to oblige the cows 
to leave the stable too soon, and to send them to fatten 
on grass. The bad quality of the fodder is also to be 
numbered among the causes of indigestion, as also 
that of the water intended for drinking. Lastly, ani- 
mals are not always allowed the necessary time for 
their regular repast, which accustoms them to vora- 
city. The application of cold also performs an im- 
portant part here. 

The most ordinary symptoms of indigestion are : 
diminution of appetite, or absolute dislike to food, 
cessation of rumination, alvine evacuations hard, and 
at longer intervals than usual, diarrhoea, &c.' The 
treatment varies with the causes and the predominant 
symptoms. Indigestion, produced by cold, always 
yields very readily to mix vomica and dulcamara, when 
the appetite is not diminished, but the dejections are 
hard and mixed with undigested food. Antimonium 
crudum has been resorted to when there is absolute 
loss of appetite. Pulsatilla is suitable when the ani- 
mal does not ruminate, when the evacuations are soft 
and fetid, accompanied with moaning and a short, dry 
cough. Asarum must be administered if, whilst the 



JAUNDICE. 275 

animal has no appetite and does not ruminate, the 
evacuations are pasty and mixed with reddish mucus, 
or merely with undigested food. Chamo7nilla is the 
remedy indicated in diarrhoea with swelling of the 
belly, and rheum in watery diarrhoea, with or without 
griping. Repeated doses of ipecacuanha, which should 
be followed by nux vomica, are equally effective. Ar- 
senicum also is an excellent remedy : a few doses are 
generally sufficient to check the diarrhoea, and the ap- 
petite soon returns. This medicine is equally specific 
when rumination has ceased : however it must then 
be preceded by aconitum, or alternated with it. 

Overloading of the stomach frequently takes place 
in calves when weaned too soon, more particularly 
when improper food is given to them, such as bran and 
water. The best food for them is rye-bran, or wheat 
boiled in water, care being taken that no more be 
given to them than what they can consume at once, in 
order that the liquid may not become sour by resting. 
The principal means to be employed in surfeit are 
arsenicum, if it have been caused by too large a quan- 
tity of food, or food that has been adulterated, antimo- 
nium crudum, when the animal evinces a dislike to 
food, and Pulsatilla when there is diarrhoea. Coffcea 
cruda has also produced good effects, and it is stated 
that good has been derived from making the animal 
take every quarter of an hour a large spoonful of the 
infusion of coffee. 

JAUNDICE. 

This disease is characterized by a yellow tint of the 
conjunctiva, lips and mucous membranes of the mouth 
and nose. The urine is of a yellowish green color, the 
alvine evacuations are pale and fetid, the tongue is 
covered with a viscid mucus, and the skin is hotter 
than usual ; it also becomes yellow by degrees, espe- 
cially in white cows. The animal is weak, it eats lit- 



276 PERITONITIS. 

tie, ruminates irregularly, and has great difficulty of 
breathing. The jaundice always depends on a disease 
of the liver, for which reason we frequently see it su- 
pervene after hepatitis not completely cured. The 
chief remedies to be employed are : mercurius vivus, 
nux vomica and chamomilla. Arsenicum is employed, 
if rumination be suppressed ; and lycopodium, if there 
be cough. Mercurius solubilis is, it is said, specific 
when the stools are whitish, as sometimes happens in 
acute jaundice. Sulphur has more than once sufficed 
in my hands to remove the disease. 

PERITONITIS. 

Peritonitis has many points of resemblance with re- 
spect to symptoms of enteritis and inflammatory colic, 
a circumstance which frequently causes these three 
diseases to be confounded one with the other. It is 
characterized not only by the presence of inflamma- 
tory fever, but further by the great sensibility evinced 
by the animal, when the parietes of the abdomen are 
touched ; it draws itself back when any one ap- 
proaches it, or tries to escape the hand by flexing the 
part which is painful ; it scarcely lies down, or should 
it attempt it, it immediately rolls on its back. How- 
ever, there is much less disturbance than in inflamma- 
tory colic, because the animal always keeps itself 
standing up, and because also peritonitis seems to oc- 
casion less distress. It often looks at its abdomen : 
the part where the inflammation is seated is sometimes 
perceptible externally. Frequently there is swelling 
of the entire belly, and tension about the region of the 
flanks. The extremities soon become cold ; the ani- 
mal keeps them as near as possible to the centre of 
gravity, and bends his back downwards. When the 
disease increases, the ears become cold, whilst the ab- 
domen is hot and sensible ; the pulse is quick, short 
and wiry ; the animal, being very weak, staggers, and 



FALL OF THE RECTUM. 277 

still endeavors to remain in the standing posture, until 
at length it falls covered with a general cold sweat. 
The course of peritonitis is generally rapid : its dura- 
tion does not exceed from four to eight days, in which 
time it often proves fatal. It seldom terminates in re- 
solution. Most frequently it ends in acute ascites, or 
in adhesions of the peritoneum, sometimes also in gan- 
grene. The latter termination is announced by the 
sudden cessation of pain, a small, weak, intermittent 
pulse, and a rapid prostration. The causes which 
may produce inflammation of the peritoneum are le- 
sions, contusions, and wounds of the parietes of the 
abdomen, surgical operations, for instances castration, 
the extension of inflammation from neighboring parts, 
but principally a sudden cold, and food of an heating 
nature, chiefly in the case of cows after calving. A 
dose of aconitum every quarter of an hour is the main 
remedy ; in about six or eight hours, some doses of 
arsenicum should be administered. Occasionally also 
it becomes necessary to have recourse to bryonia 
(when the disease has been brought on by cold,) or to 
nux vomica (when there is obstinate constipation.) 
Rhus toxicodendron is proper if the loins and extremi- 
ties are weak, as it were paralyzed, and cantharides if 
there be a difficulty in passing water. 

RECTUM, (FALL, OF THE.) 

The fall of the rectum sometimes happens in con- 
stipation and diarrhoea ; but it may also come on of 
itself. After having reduced the intestine, previously 
oiling it, we should prescribe internally belladonna and 
mercurius vivus, if symptoms of inflammation be ob- 
served. When the accident has been caused by the 
effects occasioned by constipation, this is a case for 
recurring to murias mag-nesice, just as argilla is suita- 
ble when diarrhoea is the cause of the accident. Ar- 
senicum also is a very effectual means in the latter case. 
24 



278 DISEASE OF THE STOMACH, ETC. 



SPLENITIS. 

Splenitis, which is scarcely observed in oxen, ex- 
cept in summer, differs entirely from carbuncle or ty- 
phus, but occasions death with no less rapidity. As 
in horses, the prominent symptom is the brownish 
color of the tongue. There is no appetite ; the pulse 
which is at first hard, full and tense, subsequently be- 
comes soft, small and scarcely perceptible ; the look 
is fixed, the head stretched forward ; the animal fre- 
quently looks to its right side, which is painful to the 
touch. At the onset, aconitum should be prescribed 
in repeated doses, which often suffices to arrest the 
disease. If this result be not attained, and the brown 
color of the tongue increases, we are to have recourse 
to arsenicum. If nervous symptoms are observed, the 
animal making deep inspirations, during which it 
shakes the entire body, bryonia is to be employed al- 
ternately with aconitum. Nux vomica, which is also 
to be alternated with aconitum, is indicated when the 
splenic region is very painful to the touch, and the 
animal frequently looks towards it. Lauro-cerasus has 
proved useful in a very obstinate case, where the pulse 
was small, the eye fixed, the head directed upwards, 
and the animal insensible, with the exception of some 
convulsive movements, when the affected part was 
touched. 

DISEASE OF THE STOMACH, ETC. 
FROM GRAZING IN WOODS. 

This is, properly speaking, an abdominal inflamma- 
tion, attended with fever, which animals contract 
when, after having been a long time subjected during 
the winter to the use of dry fodder, they go, in the 
beginning of spring, to graze in the wood. The grass 
early in the season not being good in the woods, they 



worms. 279 

attack greedily the young shoots of the trees, some of 
which, the oak for instance, and the ash, containing 
acrid and styptic principles, irritate very much the 
stomach and alimentary canal. The frozen roots, the 
herb covered with hoar-frost, the marshy meadows 
also produce the same effect. At first the animal is 
dejected and sad ; it stumbles frequently with the 
hind-feet, which it keeps very close to each other ; the 
breath is hot, as well as the surface of the body ; the 
mouth and nose are dry ; there is neither appetite, nor 
evacuations, nor urine ; rumination is rare and slow, 
thirst almost continual. The matters, which escape 
in small quantity during the progress of the disease^ 
are bloody, dry and black ; the urine is also deep co- 
lored, and often tinged with blood. At a later period 
the animal wastes away rapidly ; its loins become 
tremulous and feeble ; it totters as if paralyzed in the 
hind-quarters ; diarrhoea sets in ; the alvine evacua- 
tions are fetid and blackish, and mixed with blood. 
At length the animal can no longer rise, it becomes 
cold all over the body, and dies of gangrene. Ipeca- 
cuanha and veratrum, alternately every quarter of an 
hour, are the means by which it is said that this disease 
has been twice cured, which in general proceeds with 
great rapidity. I have not yet had an opportunity of 
treating it ; but if it presented itself, instead of these 
two medicines, I would at once employ aconitum and 
arsenicum. 

WORMS. 

Intestinal worms, which are chiefly common in 
young subjects, are always the result of an internal 
morbid state ; for those parasites are never developed 
in the system when healthy, or at least appear there 
only in small quantity, and never do harm. But 
when, the system becoming unhealthy, they mul- 
tiply in very great numbers, they become the source 



280 ABORTION. 

of a crowd of ailments, such as severe colics, fetid 
breath, loss of appetite, or extreme voraciousness, a 
propensity to eat the most extraordinary things, sup- 
pression of rumination, diminution of milk, &c. How- 
ever, with respect to many of these symptoms, it may 
be asked whether they are owing to the presence of 
worms, or whether they do not rather depend on a 
general morbid state. The most common worms are 
the ascarides, oxyura, and the toenia. The chief rem- 
edy is china^ in multiplied doses, and then sulphur ; 
if there be a dislike for food, antimonium crudum should 
be given. 



SE CTION VI. 

DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS, AND ORGANS OF 
GENERATION. 



ABORTION. 



Abortion, which is very frequent in cows, is an event 
so much the more disagreeable, as besides the loss of 
the calf, it often occasions also that of the mother ; and 
the latter, if she survive, remains barren, or at least 
subject to new abortions. Commonly it is the con- 
sequence of a fall or a blow ; but they may also be 
occasioned by want of care, by unsuitable food, or a 
bad stable ; for cows, in order to arrive safely at the 
term, require healthy food and such as is not flatulent, 
pure water for drink, moderate exercise in the open air, 
and »a stable which is neither too small, dark, encum- 
bered, or unhealthy. Bad air in particular seems to 



SPASM OF BLADDER. 281 

exercise great influence in this respect ; for abortion is 
much more common in low and marshy grounds than 
elsewhere. It seldom takes place suddenly : in general 
it is announced by several symptoms, among which 
may be noticed great disturbance, anxiety, depression 
of the mother, sudden diminution of her milk, and the 
escape by the vagina of a fetid mucous fluid. If these 
precursors have been themselves preceded by any 
external violence, abortion is but still more probable, 
and we must hasten to prevent it. This is the reason 
why after a blow, or a fall, there should be given with- 
out delay one or two doses of arnica, and if the cause 
has been a luxation or false step, thus toxicodendron ; 
should the precursory symptoms still show themselves, 
Pulsatilla is the chief remedy ; after it sabina and 
secale cornutum. Lastly, if the abortion has really 
taken place, and the placenta delays from four to six 
hours, we must give sabina, or better still secale cornu- 
tum, which generally bring on the desired result. We 
should have recourse to manual interference only in 
case these means should fail. 

BLADDER, (SPASM OF.) 

This disease, also called colic of the bladder, is rather 
a frequent cause of retention of urine. It consists in a 
spasmodic constriction of the sphincter of the bladder, 
w 7 hich prevents this viscus from freeing itself of its 
contents. The ordinary causes are suppression of the 
cutaneous evacuations, cold of the feet, the too long 
tarrying of the urine in the bladder, and more especially 
the use of too watery food. The animal becomes very 
restless ; it is tormented almost as much as in fits of 
colic, scrapes with its feet, throws itself on the ground, 
then gets up, and adjusts itself, but to no purpose, to 
discharge urine. What chiefly distinguishes spasm of 
the bladder from colic is, that there is retention of 
urine ; and that on examining the rectum, the blad- 

24* 



282 CALCULUS IN THE BLADDER. 

der is found full and distended. The remedies to be 
employed are aconitum, cantharides, and when these 
do not suffice, hyoscyamas, which is particularly indi- 
cated when the animal has been forced to retain its 
urine for a considerable time. 

CALCULUS IN THE BLADDER. 

Oxen are often affected with small vesical calculi, 
which, entering the urethra, at the time of voiding the 
urine, close it up completely, and no longer allow the 
urine to escape. The accident is known to exist by 
the animal, being in other respects in good health, 
setting himself in a position to pass urine, without 
being able to void any, notwithstanding all his efforts, 
with the exception of some few drops of fluid at most. 
He becomes more restless from day to day, keeps at 
a distance from the manger, stamps with impatience, 
strikes himself with his tail, and often looks at his 
flanks. At the end of a few days, the bladder is so 
distended that it bursts : after which the animal re- 
turns to eat and drink as before, but he soon dies. 
During all this time, the urine collects in the belly, 
and gives the animal the appearance of having ascites. 
An operation for the removal of the stone is often per- 
formed with success. After it has been performed, it 
is necessary to dress the wound with arnica water, to 
give some doses of this medicine internally to prevent 
traumatic fever, and to give one or two doses of china, 
on account of the loss of blood. The homoeopathic 
remedy to be employed is uva ursi, which prevents 
inflammation, consequently contraction of the urethra, 
and assists in favoring the expulsion of the foreign 
body, if it have not already passed into the urethra, in 
which case all the medical means is in general useless. 
Lycopodium has also been tried with success. 



CASTRATION* 283 



CASTRATION. 

Castration, to which the males of the bovine species 
are subjected from economical views, produces in 
those animals a great change, which becomes very- 
perceptible ; for the horns are elongated, they become 
curved as in the cow ; the collar and nucha are length- 
ened and contracted, the neck becomes smaller, the 
belly pendent, the legs longer, the haunches less 
prominent ; the voice is different, and the animal has 
less strength, and less spirit. The best age to have 
this operation performed is from two to four years ; if 
done sooner it arrests the growth of the animal ; at a 
later period, we are forced to have recourse to it some- 
times by different diseases, or by the fierceness of the 
bull. I have no intention here of entering into the 
details of the operation ; I shall merely observe that 
an error is sometimes committed with respect to it, 
either by entrusting its performance to ignorant per- 
sons, or deciding on its being performed at an unfav- 
orable time ; with respect to the health of the animal, 
or the temperature of the atmosphere, which should 
be neither too hot, nor too cold. If the animal is full 
grown, he must not have been subjected to fatigue a 
short time previously ; and care must be taken that 
during the eight days before the operation, the food 
given to him be easy of digestion. It is a very bad 
habit to sprinkle the animal, which has just been cas- 
trated, with water, or to bring him to the horse-pond, 
for the result may be peritonitis, which is too often 
attributable to the cold of the stable, to the excessive 
quantity or bad quality of the food. We may prevent 
a number of disagreeable accidents by making the 
animal, who has just been operated on, take a few 
doses of arnica, and by washing the wounds with 
arnica water. 



284 CYSTITIS — DIABETES. 



CYSTITIS. 
Inflammation of the bladder is uncommon in oxen. 



more so at least than in the horse, and it is occasioned 



sometimes by cold, sometimes by injuries in the lum- 
bar region. The animal almost constantly keeps the 
back arched : when he rests on his loins, he evinces 
pain, and strives by moaning to escape pressure. His 
walk is stiff, and the animal, continually standing up, 
leans sometimes on one side of the body, sometimes 
on the other. He feels frequent desire to void urine, 
but to no effect, for he can only pass a few drops of 
a deep red color. His alvine evacuations are scanty 
and hard, they are voided not without acute pain. 
There is no appetite, nor rumination, but the thirst is 
intense ; the whole exterior of the animal announces 
great distress, and the eyes are very prominent. In 
most cases the cure is obtained by means of canthar- 
ides, which should be preceded by a few doses of 
aconitum at short intervals. Aconitum is sometimes 
sufficient of itself. When repeated doses of canthar- 
ides fail, we must then have recourse to hyoscyamus. 
If the disease has been occasioned by a blow on the 
lumbar region, it yields to arnica. 

DIABETES. 

In this disease of the urinary organs, the animal 
passes an incredible quantity of saccharine urine, at 
first limpid as water, then having a greenish cast : he 
feels great thirst, but the urine he passes is out of pro- 
portion with the water he drinks ; gradually he be- 
comes weak, and the discharge of urine is not ac- 
complished without difficulty. At length hectic fever 
comes on, and the animal is lost inevitably, if art 
does not interfere in time. The usual causes are cold, 
or moist food, covered with frost, or frozen. The 
remedies are lycopodium, mercurius vivus, and creosote. 



HEMATURIA. 



HEMATURIA. 



285 



Discharging blood from the bladder, which is not 
entirely free from danger, and is sometimes met with 
combined with a bloody appearance of the milk, is 
more common in oxen than in the other domestic 
animals, and attacks males in preference. The animal 
becomes sad, refuses to eat, ruminates little or not at 
all, and evinces great thirst, the pulsations of the 
heart are accelerated, the ears are cold, as also the 
horns and the feet, the lumbar region is very sensi- 
tive on pressure. Shivering sets in, the mouth and 
tongue are hot and dry, the pulse is weak and scarcely 
perceptible. There is often a slight moaning when 
the animal has a discharge from the bowels. The 
urine at first is not very red, but its color becomes 
deeper, the longer the disease lasts. Neither does it 
appear that there are pains felt at the commencement ; 
but at a later period very violent ones become devel- 
oped, and the urine passes away drop by drop amidst 
frequent groaning. Sometimes there are but few of 
these symptoms, and the cure is not longer delayed ; 
but frequently also the disease passes into the chronic 
state, the kidneys become inflamed, as well as the 
bladder, and death soon occurs. 

Noxious substances swallowed by the animal seem 
to be the cause of this disease ; it also attacks several 
beasts simultaneously in one and the same herd. It is 
generally observed in spring after eating the young 
shoots of the oak and fir trees, or cantharides mixed 
with their fodder. It may be produced also by marshy 
meadows, by cold, and sometimes by a vesical calcu- 
lus. 

The principal remedy for this affection is ipecachu- 
anha, of which a single dose will often suffice to re- 
move it, when it is administered in time. When 
signs of inflammation already exist, we must com- 



286 



METRITIS NEPHRITIS. 



mence with aconitum, which in many cases effects a 
cure by itself. The efficacy of cantharides has been 
proved many times by giving one or two doses each 
day. If the staling of blood be connected with exter- 
nal violence, for instance, with a blow on the loins, 
arnica is the remedy. When it depends on vesical 
calculus, uva ursi should be employed. 

METRITIS, 

Difficult parturition, violent efforts, or cold, may 
give rise to this disease, which often proves fatal. It 
is recognized by tumefaction and heat of the genital 
parts, from which there flows a bloody discharge ; 
the animal adjusts itself every moment to pass water, 
but cannot ; the ears are cold as well as the feet ; no 
appetite. Aconitum (a few doses) and then arnica 
(one dose every two hours) are the chief remedies. 
If, after the cessation of the fever, there is still strain- 
ing and swelling in the vagina, sabina should also be 
employed in frequent doses. 

NEPHRITIS. 

Inflammation of the kidneys has many symptoms 
in common with cystitis. It is not observed as fre- 
quently in oxen as in horses. The exciting causes 
are heat, cold, blows on the lumbar region, renal calculi, 
and at times also the eating of poisonous plants, or the 
use of very strong allopathic remedies. The animal 
brings close together the four legs, bends the back 
downwards, moans when pressure is made on the kid- 
neys, and strives to escape it. The affected part is 
hotter than the rest of the body, or even burning. 
The alvine evacuations are scanty, and their discharge 
gives pain ; the rectum is extremely hot. There is a 
great desire to pass water, but some drops of urine 
only escape, which is at first limpid, then thick, and 
of a deep red color ; the gait is stiff, appetite none, 



PARTURITION. 287 

as also rumination, and the thirst is considerable. In 
general this disease is cured by means of aconitum, 
after which one or two doses of cantharides should 
be given. In obstinate cases, when nephritis does not 
yield to several doses of the latter remedy, of which 
however more than one must not be taken during the 
day, we have recourse to hyoscyamus. Nitrum is 
also very useful. When there is obstinate constipa- 
tion, mix vomica should be given. Arnica is indi- 
cated whenever the disease is attributable to an exter- 
nal injury. 

PARTURITION. 

Cows, when well cared, calve very easily, requir- 
ing but little assistance. After some days' discharge 
of a mucous fluid, which is sometimes a little red, 
from the vagina w r hich dilates gradually, the animal 
begins to feel restless and uneasy ; she groans, and 
pains are soon felt, which cause the exit either of a 
great quantity of liquid, or a pouch full of serum. 
When this pouch bursts, the pains, which increase in 
severity, bring out the calf, the mother being almost 
always lying down. If there appeared any difficulty 
to the passage, it would be necessary to draw the 
foetus forward, but only whilst the pains last. The 
cord breaks of itself at some distance from the umbil- 
icus. However the after birth does not always come 
away immediately : it sometimes remains either en- 
tirely, or in part in the womb, a circumstance which 
might bring on fatal consequences. The means to 
be employed in such a case have been already men- 
tioned under the head abortion. Experience has as- 
certained the efficacy of several other remedies for 
the anomalies which may occur during the act of par- 
turition ; chamoinilla, Pulsatilla and cannabis, when the 
cow does not lie down, when she is restless, and the 
pains properly so called are not sufficiently marked ; 



288 DISEASE OF TEATS. 

secale cornutum, in case of convulsions and excessive 
straining ; Pulsatilla, when the pains are too slight to 
advance the labor ; opium in case of complete atony. 
Aconitum and chamomilla are useful when the milk is 
slow in making its appearance ; arnica, when the 
labor has caused the animal to suffer much ; and nux 
vomica, when the lumbar region afterwards appeared 
much weakened. 

TEATS, (DISEASE OF.) 

The teats of the cow are subject to different dis- 
eases, some of which are very painful, which, when 
neglected, often occasion the obliteration of the lacti- 
ferous vessels. The principal are : 

1. Inflammatory tumefaction. A little time before 
and after calving, particularly in the first birth, often 
too at other periods, there is observed on the mammae 
a painful inflammatory swelling : the organ is hard, 
tense, hot and red ; the entire, or only a part is 
affected with swelling. The animal has rather high 
fever, a sharp thirst, the mouth is dry, and there is but 
little appetite ; the secretion of milk is more or less 
diminished. This disease which may become fatal, is 
produced by different causes. The most common are 
contusion, stings of insects, cold, the too prolonged 
retention of milk, &c. Some say it has been occa- 
tioned by c too little exercise. If it has been caused by 
external injury, frequently moistening the part with 
arnica water is sufficient to cure it ; a dose of it should 
also be taken internally every day. Arsenicum should 
be employed only when the disease has been neglected, 
or when there have supervened gangrenous inflamma- 
tion or ill-conducted ulcerations with hard and everted 
edges. After cold the cure is readily obtained by 
aconitum at first, then bryonia ; if the latter does not 
suffice, dulcamara. Chamomilla also has frequently 
proved useful. Belladonna has been found a specific 



DISEASE OF TEATS. 2S9 

in the treatment of erysipelatous inflammation. How- 
ever, others recommend arnica, camphora, phosphorus 
and silicea. In the inflammation which comes on a 
little before or after calving, belladonna and chamomilla 
are specifics ; chamomilla more especially when nodo- 
sities are felt in the organ, without the external integu- 
ments participating in it. If the inflammation passes 
into gangrene, or produces malignant ulcers, arsenicum 
should be administered ; if, gangrene having super- 
vened, the skin readily becomes detached, secale cornu- 
turn should be employed. Silicea also produces good 
effects in obstinate ulcers ; asafcetida and mercurius 
vivus in treating unhealthy suppuration. We may 
also in such a case recommend cabor vegelabilis, 
calcarea carbonica and Pulsatilla, the latter more espe- 
cially, when fistulous sores begin to form. 

The abnormal swelling of the mamma?, especially 
when caused by cold or moisture, yields to lotions 
repeated several times a day with camphorated brandy. 

2. Induration. — This proceeds from the same causes 
as inflammation, and may also result from internal 
causes. It is or is not accompanied with pains and 
suppression of milk : the latter often assumes a bad 
color, or undergoes some other change, becomes 
granular and puriform. If the indurations are painful 
and consist of rounded tubercles, they are resolved in 
ten or twelve days, either by bryonia (one dose 
morning and evening), or by chamomilla, chiefly when 
the tumor yields a crackling noise on being touched. 
If the cause has been an external injury, we must 
have recourse to a few doses of arnica, then to conium. 
The indurations, both those that are painful, as well 
as those which are indolent, with glandular swellings 
in the interior of the mammae, yield to chamomilla, or, 
when they are very hard and obstinate, to oxonitum 
and mercurius vivus. The nodosities which succeed 
an inflammation are to be treated with camphora, 
chamomilla and conium, of each two doses at the inter- 

25 



290 



RETENTION OF URINE. 



val of two days. If resolution does not take place, 
hepar sulphuris (one dose morning and evening) 
causes them to break, generally at the end of thirty- 
six hours. 

3. Warts. — Warts, which are often produced in 
consequence of internal disease on the bellies of cows 
in great numbers, spread occasionally even to the 
udders ; besides their repulsive appearance they pre- 
vent the animal from being milked. The remedy 
against those which are flat, dry, and not pediculated, 
is dulcamara : thuja is the remedy for those which are 
cut and mangled, oozing, and suppurating : caustlcum 
has been more than once useful in the treatment of 
bleeding warts, and those which suppurate and are 
painful. Sometimes the wart gives place to an ulcer 
with everted edges, in which case we must have re- 
course to arsenicum. 

4. Wounds. — There are often produced in the teats, 
circular cracks or chaps, which occasion to the animal 
great pain, and which, though often caused by the 
brutality of the cow-herds, are attributable in many 
cases to a morbid internal state. Those of the latter 
species require the employment of sulphur internally, 
to be continued for a considerable time. In ail other 
circumstances, fomentations with arnica water are 
sufficient. 

Some cows do not remain quiet whilst being 
milked ; if no trace of disease can be discovered on 
the teats, camphor is a certain remedy to remove this 
ailment. 

RETENTION OF URINE. 

This affection, though not common, is sometimes 
however observed in oxen. Sometimes the urine is 
discharged only in part, and after great efforts ; some- 
times the animal cannot pass a single drop, though he 
often sets himself in the position for so doing, and he 



FALL OF THE MATRIX. 291 

presents all the symptoms of cystitis. The disease 
must be carefully distinguished from the suppression 
of urine, in which the function of the kidneys is sup- 
pressed. (See Nephritis.) Cantharides have always 
succeeded with me in treating retention of urine. 
Hyoscyamus is useful in obstinate cases. 

FALL OF THE MATRIX. 

In cows, after difficult parturation, in which manual 
interference has been used without due care, or by 
reason of the efforts which the animal makes after 
delivery, it is not uncommon for the womb to become 
inverted, and" for it to appear externally, either par- 
tially or entirely, in the form of a very large body, of 
a deep red color, the surface of which is covered with 
a great number of red bodies of a satin appearance, 
which are the mouths of the uterine vessels. In such 
cases it is necessary to hasten, if we would avoid in- 
flammation, gangrene and death. Before everyhi ng 
else we must reduce the womb carefully. To accom- 
plish this, we must place the animal so that it may 
have the hind-legs much more elevated than the fore- 
legs ; we must wrap around the hand a soft napkin 
steeped in milk, and then gradually reduce the organ, 
like the finger of a glove, an operation more difficult 
than is generally supposed. If the accident be not of 
recent date, if the womb be dry, cold, or even soiled, 
we commence by washing it well with tepid milk. 
The operation being concluded, we administer arnica 
internally, and throw up injections of arnica water, 
which are very advisable, more especially when the 
accident has been occasioned by difficult parturition, 
or when the extractions of the after-birth have injured 
the womb. When there is fever, and an inflammatory 
state, we administer forthwith a couple of doses of 
aconitum. If the accident have been produced by 
great efforts in parturition, we must have recourse to 



292 DISEASES OF THE FEET. 

sepia and to platina ; and, if it make its appearance a 
little after calving, especially when the mother is lying 
down, benefit will be derived from china (two doses 
each day.) Pulsatilla and sepia are specifics when the 
fall of the womb has been occasioned by efforts made to 
expel the placenta ; if the anus has become depressed, 
cocculus would appear more particularly useful. 



SECTION VII. 

STRAINS AND DISEASES OF THE EXTREMITIES. 



FEET (DISEASES OF THE.) 

When a foreign body is insinuated into the foot, it 
must be extracted, after which the wound is to be 
treated with arnica water, and there must also be 
administered a couple of doses of arnica internally. 
Aconitum and squilla are proper if inflammation has 
already set in ; acidum phosphoricum and arsenicum, if 
there beacute pain. 
In case of inflammation of the foot, aconitum should 
be employed, then rhus toxicodendron (a few doses.) 
"When there is hot and tense swelling, bryonia must be 
employed. If the skin, red and shining, can be seen 
through the hair, we should have recourse to Pulsatilla. 
Belladonna is useful against erysipelatous inflamma- 
tion of the feet ; ruta against inflammation of the fet- 
lock-joint. 

FOUL IN THE FOOT. 

This inflammatory affection of the foot depends 
generally on long walking over hard roads. It makes 



WEARING OF HOOFS. 293 

its appearance in general with pains in one or more 
feet, with which the animal limps. The hoof is more 
or less hot, and very sensible to pressure, especially 
posteriorly, so that the animal does not put down the 
affected foot without considerable precaution when he 
walks, and keeps it raised when he is at rest. If the 
proper remedies are not employed in time, the inflam- 
mation passes into suppuration : the animal remains 
lying down, and the pus which escapes at the coronet 
often occasions a fall of the horny crust. As long 
as the accident is recent, and we have to deal only 
with simple inflammation, it always yields to the inter- 
nal and external use of arnica. If this substance effect 
improvement, but without establishing a complete cure, 
we should substitute conium. When the inflammation 
is not very severe on the parietes of the hoof, while 
the sole is very painful, so as to render walking on 
hard ground rather unsteady, we may reckon on the 
specific properties of arsenicum and acidum phosphori- 
cum. Squilla is proper in case of violent inflammation 
of the fleshy part of the foot. If through neglect the 
disease has become very severe, and more especially 
if suppuration has already declared itself, we are then 
to have recourse to squilla, conium, then to antimonium, 
and nux vomica, and above all to pulsatilla and mer- 
curius vivus. When pus has been effused into the 
cleft, we must employ surgical means capable of 
effecting its free escape externally. Further, the ani- 
mal must be left in a state of rest on a dry and soft 
litter. 



HOOFS (WEARING OF.) 

This accident often happens in beasts which walk 
very much on paved roads, or which graze on steep 
hills. After having cleansed the cleft of the hoof care- 
fully, in order that no foreign bodies may be left in it, 
arnica should be employed, both externally and inter- 
25* 



294 INFLAMMATION OF THE LAMINA, 

nally. At a later period mercurins vivus should be 
employed. The occurrence is detected by the ani- 
mal's limping a little. No time should be lost in ap- 
plying a remedy, as it frequently suppurates, and 
becomes difficult of cure. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE INTERI>IGITA£, 

SPACE. 

Foreign bodies which have penetrated the interdi- 
gital space, and which remain there, or an accidental 
lesion of the integuments of this region, give rise to 
an inflammation which is announced first by redness, 
but ultimately degenerates into a corroding ulcer of a 
bad character. The animal experiences acute pains, 
is very dejected, no longer ruminates, wastes away, 
and rests only with considerable caution on the dis- 
eased foot. At the onset we never fail of obtaining a 
complete cure by employing frequent lotions with 
arnica water, after the removal of the foreign body. 
However, if the inflammation has already attained an 
extreme degree, if there be much heat and pain, it 
becomes necessary to employ aconitum and arnica 
internally, at the same time that arnica is employed 
externally. Lastly, if through neglect things have 
gone so far that the ulceration is really making ravages, 
no time should be lost to make use of those means 
which would then be indicated, viz : arsenicum, 
acidum phosphoricum and squilla, are the remedies to 
be employed. Consult the articles Abscess and Sup- 
puration. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE LAMINA. 

Laminitis, a disease similar to the foot-rot of sheep, 
and which often accompanies stomacace, very fre- 
quently presents itself in an epizootic form. At the 
onset, the amimal loses appetite, becomes melancholy, 
its breathing becomes hurried; rumination is slow, or 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LAMINA. 295 

more rare than usual : the mouth is hot and dry ; the 
alvine discharges are hard, the urine has a deep color ; 
the milk is worth nothing, and generally disappears. 
After the first days which follow the invasion of this 
disease, accompanied with inflammatory fever, there 
is observable a strikingly marked sensibility of the 
hoofs on one of the extremities, or on all ; the animal 
prefers to remain lying down, and when forced to 
walk, he does so with great caution, raising and letting 
down the feet with a convulsive movement, and limp- 
ing more or less. Heat and swelling are seen to exist 
between the hoofs and on the fetlock, and^from this 
moment resting on the foot becomes impossible. A 
little time after, the swollen parts are covered with 
pustules, from which is discharged a yellowish white 
fluid. Lastly, in some cases there is produced a 
small ulcer on some part of the coronet. When the 
disease is mild, in which case there is usually observed 
merely some redness, swelling, and oozing in the 
interdigital space, the cure is prompt and easy ; but 
the fever which accompanies the disease is occasionally 
more intense, the affection of the foot is more severe ; 
and, if circumstances are unfavorable, especially if 
there have been any neglect, the disease may last a 
long time, and become dangerous. Then the fever 
readily assumes a putrid character, with great prostra- 
tion of strength ; the ulcer of the foot secretes an acrid 
and fetid ichor ; in its place a new one is slowly 
developed ; sometimes even the ligaments and bones 
of the foot are attacked, or the inflammation passes 
into a state of induration, the result of which is incura- 
ble lameness. 

I have found acidum phosphoricum an excellent 
remedy in most of these cases. Others have expe- 
rienced the efficacy of sulphur, and of carbo vegeta- 
bilis, preceded by a few doses of nux vomica. Lux 
recommends the bupodopurinum as specific. Mercurius 
solubilis has often rendered great service in diseased 



296 STRAIN OF THE SHOULDER. 

lamina, accompanied with stomacace. At the onset 
of the disease, when there is yet only a difficulty of 
walking, and some sensibility of the sole, arnica (inter- 
nally and externally) and arsenicwn may suffice for 
effecting a cure ; however, even under such circum- 
stances, acidum phosphoricum has succeeded more 
than once, so that I am tempted to consider it as the 
most useful. 

STRAIN OF THE SHOULDER. 

This injury, which in general is observed only in 
oxen employed for drawing, may be produced either 
by too great efforts, false steps, slips, or by external 
violence acting on the shoulder joint. The affected 
limb is not moved as freely as the others ; the animal 
moves it only with pain, trailing it; when it becomes 
necessary to pass over a height, for instance, the 
threshold of a door, he does not raise it sufficiently ; 
and when at rest he usually carries it forwards, so that 
the weight of the body presses more on that of the 
opposite side. In general the shoulder-joint is painful 
to the touch, and it is also frequently hot. The 
remedy, chiefly when the shoulder is affected with 
rheumatism, is ferrum muriaticum in the third dynami- 
zation, which never fails, even when the disease is of 
long standing. I have seen the highest dynamizations 
produce less effectual results. It is stated that vera- 
trum has also been found effectual in such circum- 
stances. When the disease has been Occasioned by 
great efforts in drawing, by a false step or a slip, rhus 
toxicodendron should be employed, and when it has 
been occasioned by external violence, arnica. If the 
latter fail, and there be reason to suppose that the 
bony parts are affected, we must have recourse to 
Symphytum, internally and externally. Aconitum is 
employed when there is inflammation, and aconitum 
followed by hryonia when the affection has supervened 



STRAIN OF THE LOINS. 297 

on cold. The most absolute rest is necessary during 
the entire course of treatment. 

STRAIN OF THE HAUNCH. 

Strain of the haunch consists chiefly in being 
unable to move the hind-quarters and the hind-limbs. 
It is characterized by the following symptoms : the 
animal eats regularly, but he limps in the hind-quarters, 
and drags the hind-limbs after him ; and when at rest 
he separates them as much as possible from each 
other. If the disease has gone to a very great height, 
he can neither remain standing up, nor walk, and he 
falls down. He is unable to stand up again. Some- 
times there is observed a hot and painful swelling in 
the lumbar region. Sometimes the disease is rheu- 
matic, and the consequence of sudden cold. Some- 
times it depends on external causes, such as blows on 
the loins, efforts at drawing, slipping, &c. In the 
latter case arnica should be employed (internally and 
externally,) and rhus toxicodendron or Symphytum, if 
there be lesion of the bones or periosteum. If there 
exist any inflammatory swelling, aconitum should be 
administered alternately with bryonia. Coccuhis also 
is an excellent remedy. Nux vomica is used in strain 
of the haunch in calves. 

STRAIN OF THE EOINS. 

The causes are the same as in the two preceding 
cases ; only external violence, strains, slipping, have 
in this case still more influence. The symptoms 
resemble somewhat those which characterize strains 
of the haunch. When the disease is very severe, the 
animal cannot raise the hind-quarter, Avhich circum- 
stance always obliges him to remain lying down, 
though in good health in other respects, and having a 
very excellent appetite. Sometimes a swelling ap- 
pears on the lumbar region, which occasions acute 



298 SWELLING OF THE FOOT. 

pains when touched. The chief remedies to be em- 
ployed are thus toxicodendron, cocculus, bryonia and 
ledum ; if the tumor exist, aconitum is employed alter- 
nately with bryonia. When the strain depends on a 
blow or injury, arnica and symphitum are to be em- 
ployed, and if it be a calf, nux vomica and Pulsatilla. 

SWELLING OF THE THIGH. 

Arnica, internally and externally, is a tried remedy 
in this affection, when it has been produced by a con- 
tusion. Conium is equally good. If the swelling is 
hot and tense, bryonia should be employed ; if it be 
clammy, we should have recourse to china and arseni- 
cum, followed by sulphur after some time. 

SWELLING OF THE KNEES. 

Swelling of the knees is not uncommon in oxen in 
consequence of the position in which they place them- 
selves when endeavoring to stand up. The knee, 
when it has received a contusion, becomes hot, painful, 
inflamed, swollen, which interferes with the animal 
very much, both in walking, and lying down, and 
rising up. Arnica water, frequently employed from the 
commencement, never fails to remove the disease in a 
very little time. If this be of long standing, china 
should be administered, when the swelling is painful, 
and Pulsatilla, when it is not so. Silicea, lycopodium 
and sulphur, have been also employed with success in 
obstinate cases. See Sponge. 

SWELLING OF THE FOOT. 

Arnica is used in swelling of the foot, when it re- 
sults from an external lesion, and symphitum in that 
which affects the bones. Both the one and the other 
must be employed internally and externally. If the 



DISEASES OF THE TAIL. 



299 



affection has been caused by cold, dulcamara should 
be employed. When the swelling is hot and tense, 
bryonia should be given. That kind of swelling which 
disappears in consequence of moving, and returns 
during rest, requires rhus toxicodendron and arsenicum. 
We should have recourse to thuja, if it be not the 
fetlock-joint ; to squilla, if it be accompanied with heat 
in the hoof; to arsenic, if the sole be painful. (Edema 
of the feet requires china and arsenicum according to 
my experience ; others advise indigo, thuja, and sul- 
phur ; and, when the four extremities are cedematous 
at the same time, opium and sulphur. 

TAIL, (DISEASES OF THE.) 

It sometimes, though rarely, happens that the hairs 
fall off at the end of the tail, after which a fluid oozes 
from the part ; it then becomes covered with small 
ulcers, which ultimately attack the vertebrse and 
cause entire pieces of the tail to fall off. Sometimes 
there are no ulcers, and the vertebrae, are only soft- 
ened ; still, however, the tail falls off, either wholly 
or in part. This disease often occasions death. Hav- 
ing never an opportunity of seeing it, I can only point 
out the probable remedies to which recourse should 
be had, and which are acidum muriaticum, acidum 
nitri, mercurius vivus, asafcetida, silicea, lachesis, sepia, 
conium and sulphur, but principally arsenicum. 



SECTION VIII. 



TYPHUS. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I, PAGE 220. 

Writers have published a multitude of hypotheses, 
some of which are exceedingly strange, on the causes 
of this terrible disease. There are some who attribute 



300 TYPHUS. 

it to moist heat too long continued, or to rapid alterna- 
tions of cold and heat. Though it must be admitted 
that it often makes its appearance after great heat, 
especially when this follows long rain, it is no less true 
that it is often observed in winter. Others will have it 
that it arises from want of water ; from deterioration of 
the fodder ; from the stings of insects ; from want of 
cleanliness of the stable ; from excess of work ; from 
the use of certain plants, &c. The only thing agreed 
on, is that it owes its origin to a peculiar miasm, 
engendered by a combination of circumstances as yet 
unknown, and that it is transmissible from individual 
to individual. 

The animal laboring under typhus ceases all at once 
to eat and to ruminate : it is as it were struck with 
stupor ; it holds its head hanging, or lays it on the 
manger, or carries it abruptly upwards and from side 
to side, sometimes uttering moans. Occasionally it 
becomes mischievous, and attacks the persons who 
have the care of it. The eyes are fixed and watery, 
though little or not all red ; the horns, ears, and 
nose, are sometimes hot, sometimes cold, within the 
space of a few minutes. Frequently the cold pre- 
dominates from the commencement, and continues 
even to death, which is not long in taking place. Some 
of these animals discharge a bloody mucus from the 
nose ; others grind the teeth ; in most a viscid saliva 
is discharged from the mouth ; in some the breathing 
is short and impeded with pulsation of the flanks 
and short cough ; the alvine discharges, and urine, are 
occasionally suppressed : if the animal has a discharge 
from the bowels, it passes only dry hard excrements in 
small round lumps. At a later period it passes mucus 
and blood, which indicates the approach of death or 
cure. A watery diarrhoea has been observed to be 
followed very quickly by cure, or bloody and extremely 
fetid evacuations, after which all the bad symptoms 
quickly disappeared. The skin sometimes sticks to the 



TYPHUS. 301 

subjacent parts, sometimes it is separated from them 
by air, so that in passing the hand along the back, a 
sort of crepitation is perceived. The hair is generally 
dull, staring, and rough. Sometimes, but always after 
the danger is passed, carbunculous tumors form on the 
back, abdomen, sheath, and on the teats. Cows give 
little or no milk ; this is one of the most constant 
symptoms. In general the secretion of milk ceases on 
the first appearance of the disease. When the hand 
rests on the spine of the back, the animal endeavors 
to avoid the pressure, it moans or lows, it trembles all 
over the body, or with its hind quarters ; the greater 
the trembling, the nearer is the danger. The beast 
seems no longer able to keep on its legs ; it separates 
them, stumbles in walking along, and soon falls, once 
on the ground it exerts all its strength to rise, and 
sometimes succeeds, but soon falls again, and remains 
dead on the place where it has fallen, or soon expires 
in convulsions. Sometimes the animal keeps its hind 
legs close to each other and approximates them to the 
fore legs ; others kick, evince much restlessness, lie 
down and quickly arise ; in the case of these also, 
death occurs in a few hours. After the extinction of 
life, some blood escapes through the anus, often also 
through the mouth and nose, and the body soon be- 
comes putrified. 

The symptoms just enumerated take place when 
the disease, as most generally happens, runs through 
its stages in four and twenty hours ; for it seldom 
lasts from two to four days. But very often, more 
especially when it invades a locality, it kills in a man- 
ner suddenly ; whether in the fields or at work, the 
animal commences on a sudden to tremble, and is 
dead in a few hours. Beasts which were in good 
health the preceding evening, are sometimes found 
dead in the morning. 

On opening the body, the spleen is found much 
larger than natural. It is deep-colored, with brown 

26 



302 TYPHUS. 

or black spots, and reduced to a soft consistence ; 
when it is pricked, a brown fluid mixed with black 
blood issues from it. The intestines, which exhibit 
gangrenous spots, are gorged with black blood, and 
are often distended with gas, as also the stomach. 
The lungs are generally healthy ; sometimes, howev- 
er, they are flaccid, soft, and gangrenous. The blood 
remains fluid. 

With respect to treatment arsenicum is a certain 
means of cure and preservation. On the first symp- 
toms of the disease being perceived, such as loss of 
appetite, suspension of rumination, trembling of the 
hind-legs, staggering when walking, hair dull and 
rough, eyes swimming in water, alternations of heat 
and cold in the horns and ears, disappearance of milk, 
&c, a dose of arsenicum should be administered, which 
is to be repeated every five to fifteen minutes, until 
there is marked improvement ; in slight cases one 
hour or an hour and a half interval may be allowed 
between the doses. The curative effect becomes per- 
ceptible after a very little time, and so much the 
sooner, in proportion as the attack was more violent ; 
so that in the most acute cases the amendment often 
becomes perceptible in a quarter or in half an hour, 
which is recognized by the following characters : the 
animal shakes off the stupor, looks around it, and 
notices the person taking care of it ; the trembling 
diminishes or ceases altogether, the horns and ears 
are less cold, or less burning ; there is a little appetite, 
the hair lies down, the eye loses its fixedness, and the 
animal has an alvine discharge ; the evacuations vary 
much, being sometimes natural, sometimes bloody or 
mucus ; at length a general warm sweat sets in, or 
tumors, abscesses, or eruptions ; in the case of cows 
the milk returns. When these signs of improvement 
are observed to take place, we must wait for some 
time before repeating the dose, being always regulat- 
ed by the degree of severity with which the disease 



TYPHUS. 303 

commenced ; if the aggression be violent, and the first 
dose produces no perceptible effect, after a quarter of 
an hour, or at most half an hour, the arsenicum must 
be repeated, and then continued at the same intervals ; 
if, on the contrary, the disease is but moderate, it is 
better to allow the first dose to act for an hour ; and 
if an improvement take place a second is not given, 
until the amendment ceases to progress. " Often a 
single dose suffices to remove the disease, whilst in 
other cases, from two to four, even from twenty to 
thirty are required, before we obtain a complete cure. 
It is unnecessary to say that during the whole course 
of treatment, we should not lose sight of the patient 
for a moment. 

Should an amendment or cure be obtained, all is 
not yet over ; two cases may still occur. 

1. A relapse of the disease. This may take place 
after the lapse of from four to sixteen hours. It is 
important then to watch the animal during twenty- 
four hours, and still to make it take a few doses, at 
intervals of about four hours. If the relapse had al- 
ready taken place, we should proceed as on the form- 
er occasion ; but the danger would be still greater. 

2. Other circumstances supervene which, however, 
are never dangerous. In different regions of the 
body, cold, soft, or hard tumors of an indolent kind 
form. Sometimes there remain hard indurations, or 
swelling of the glands, and teats with suppression 
or diminution of the milky secretion. Though the 
teat present nothing abnormal, the milk is less abun- 
dant, or altered in its qualities. The skin is covered 
with small scabs succeeding pustules which contained 
a fluid ; the eruption occupied the entire or only a 
portion of the body ; it is accompanied with itching 
or not, the hair remains staring, and does not recover 
its brightness. The evacuations continue to be hard 
and scanty. There is emphysema under the skin ; 
crepitation is felt on passing the hand over it. The 



304 BURNS. 

skin is completely hard, and does not yield to the 
action of its proper muscles ; the appetite and rumin- 
ation are not reestablished. 

All these sequelss yield in a little time to the pro- 
longed use of ai'senicum, a dose of which is to be 
taken every six hours, until no trace any longer re- 
mains ; which usually is the work of three or four 
days. The absence of appetite and sluggishness of 
the intestinal canal quickly yield to a few doses of 
nux vomica. The appetite almost always returns four 
or six hours after the first, and if the constipation con- 
tinue, the medicine is to be repeated every six hours. 
Spiritus sulphur atus is employed for the eruption 
and arsenicum for all the other ailments. 

In order to preserve the animals from the disease 
they are made to take first every forty-eight hours, 
then every twenty-four, and lastly every twelve hours 
one drop of arsenicum in the morning one hour before 
eating, and in the evening two hours after doing so. 

BURNS. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I. PAGE 220. 

The best remedy for burns, both in man and ani- 
mals, is the external application of the pure tincture of 
urtica urens, of which, if required, some drops may 
also be swallowed. To prepare this tincture, the net- 
tle is gathered just when it is about to flower ; the 
flowers and leaves are removed, they are cut small, 
they are put into a flask, alcohol is poured on, and the 
bottle is well corked ; at the end of some weeks it is 
strained through a linen cloth ; then after decanting, 
it is filtered through bibulous paper. 



(EDEMA OF THE LEGS — ITCHING. 305 

(EDEMA OF THE LEGS. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION I. PAGE 220. 

(Edematous swellings of the legs, so common in 
horses, is also sometimes seen, though very rarely, in 
horned cattle, chiefly in oxen employed for drawing. 
At the fetlock joint, or higher up, there appears a hot 
and painful swelling, which renders the movements 
stiff, or causes lameness ; after some days a watery 
fluid is discharged from the part, which soaks into 
the hair, and unites it into fasciculi. The lameness 
goes on increasing, chaps are formed, and the pus is so 
acrid, that it destroys entire flakes of skin, and on 
some of the soft parts warts are occasionally observed 
to come out on the swelling, which bleed on the slight- 
est touch, and constantly give out a fetid odor. 
Thuja is a specific in the cure of this disease ; one 
or two doses are often sufficient to effect a cure. 
The warts are to be treated twice a day with the 
pure tincture of thuja. 

ITCHING. 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION II. PAGE 244. 

Itching in general is only a symptom of different 
diseases of oxen. Still it is frequently met alone, and 
it then indicates almost always a latent exantheme, or 
one that has been driven in. The principal remedies 
are sulphur and staphysagria (in repeated doses.) 
When it comes on after cold, it is to be treated with 
aconitum and bryonia. 

STOMACACE, (ULCERATION OF THE 
MOUTH. ) 

SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION III. PAGE 249. 

This disease generally accompanies limace, and 
mostly attacks the entire herd. At the commence- 
26* 



306 



PLEURISY. 



ment there is redness as well as heat of the mouth, 
diminution of appetite, and of the milk, which is wa- 
tery. After some days numberless small red points, 
which gradually increase in size, and are converted 
into white vesicles, the size of which varies from that 
of a poppy seed to that of a pea. These vesicles 
burst, and leave a crust after them. The animal 5 
which is prevented by the pain from eating, drinks 
and dribbles very much. If the disease is to termi- 
nate favorably, the tongue cleans by degrees. In the 
contrary case, livid, confluent vesicles are formed, 
leaving behind them corroding ulcers, which cause the 
mucous membrane of the mouth to fall off in flakes. 
There is almost always inflammation of the throat, 
and a fetid state of the breath ; the animal is attacked 
with cough, wastes away, and dies. In other cases 
the disease degenerates into limace : some time after 
the cleaning of the tongue, which seemed to announce 
that all was over, the fever reappears, and the symp- 
toms of limace are observed to come on. The two 
forms of disease are contagious. The principal rem- 
edies are bustomacacinum and mercurius solulibus. 
Acidum phosphoricum, alternately with mercurius solu- 
libus (one dose of each daily) is indicated when there 
is ulceration of the mouth, with viscid, thready, fetid 
saliva ; staphysagria, when the gums are painful to 
the touch ; helleborus niger when the gums are fun- 
gous, and the animal very much depressed. 

PLEURISY. 
SUPPLEMENTARY TO SECTION IV. PAGE 257. 

The symptoms of inflammation of the pleura are 
cold, followed by an increase of heat in the ears and 
nose, elongation of the neck, and depression of the head. 
The animal seldom lies down. Respiration embar- 
rassed, with more marked movement of the belly and 
dilatation of the nostrils ; slight cough ; fear of the 



PLEURISY. 307 

least touch on any part of the chest ; alvine dis- 
charges dry, blackish, shining, and deeply furrowed ; 
urine red. Sometimes the fever is so slight, that the 
disease is scarcely perceived. No appetite, and the 
secretion of milk is very much diminished. Pleurisy 
differs from pneumonia in this respect, that in the lat- 
ter the respiration is still performed by means of the 
ribs, and not by the movements of the abdomen ; the 
cough is a little more free, and pressure of the finger 
on the intercostal spaces causes most acute pain. 
The chief remedy to be employed is aconitum, of 
which one dose is to be taken every two, three, or 
four hours, according to the severity of the fever, 
until it has entirely ceased. The same doses of bry- 
onia are to be given, at intervals of from eight to 
twelve hours at least, which removes the remainder of 
the disease. Chamomilla contributes to restore the 
secretion of milk in milch cows. 



PART III 



DISEASES OF SHEEP 



SECTION I. 

GENERALITIES. 

The sheep and goat approach so closely to Oxen, 
with respect to the digestive organs and teeth, that all 
these animals may be included under the collective 
term ruminants. However, the sheep differs essen- 
tially from the ox in many respects. A great portion 
of its vital power being employed in the production 
of a thick fleece, the remainder of the body must 
necessarily feel this. The animal is likewise more 
timid and more delicate. To this we may add that the 
greediness of man often exacts from the sheep two 
fleecings per annum, a circumstance which must con- 
tribute to weaken the species. Besides, the regimen 
corresponds very little with the demand made on the 
sheep : the habit in some parts of the country of 
rearing the greatest possible number of them, pre- 
vents them from receiving sufficient and wholesome 
nourishment ; for if even during summer they are 
suffered almost to die of hunger on the parched and 
barren fields, or in places which afford them nothing 



GENERALITIES. 309 

but sour and unwholesome plants, so frequent a source 
of diarrhoea and rot, their lot is still more melancholy 
in winter. Should we, then, be surprised, that this 
animal, of a feeble and delicate constitution, should be 
subject to so many diseases, and that its offspring, 
instead of improving, should go on degenerating ? 

The principal peculiarities to be taken in order to 
protect and sustain the health of the flocks, may be 
represented under the three following heads : — 

1. To have good pastures. High meadows are 
best for sheep, especially when the season is damp, or 
in general during rainy years : it is necessary, on the 
contrary, to avoid moist, marshy meadows, unless heat 
of long duration renders them completely dry. The 
best herbage consists of aromatic plants, sweetish or 
a little sharp and bitter, as those also found in glades 
in the woods. 

Saline plants are very nutritive, but produce bad 
wool ; aquatic vegetables are always injurious. 

2. Not to commence the winter diet too soon. 
Neither should sheep graze as soon as the grass begins 
to turn yellow in autumn. The hay given to them in 
winter should be of good quality, not mouldy nor 
damp. The pod of the pea, lentil, or vetch may 
answer very well ; all others serve rather to overload 
than to nourish ; and it is even said that the oat-chaff 
causes the wool to fall when the cold is severe. Gen- 
erally speaking, roots are not suitable diet for sheep, 
from their being too watery, and inducing flatulency. 
Without salt a flock never thrives, notwithstanding the 
quality of the fodder. Whenever the season is fine, 
the flock should walk out even in winter for an hour 
or two. 

3. To have good folds is an indispensable condition 
for preserving the health of the flock. The fold should 
be dry, sufficiently spacious, (height not less than ten 
feet, nor more than sixteen,) and well aired. The 
floor should be hard, if not paved, at least beaten 



310 GENERALITIES. 

down like that of threshing-floors, the openings, supe- 
riorly near the roof, and inferiorly near the ground, 
should be sufficient in number to afford a free access 
of the air from without, both in summer and winter, 
provided the wind is not strong and cold. 

It is a great mistake to suppose that a nourishment 
very copious and very succulent will improve a flock, 
procure more wool, and render sheep more fruitful. 
Far from being useful, it is very injurious, gives rise 
to different diseases, and lessen fruitfulness. If we 
desire to improve the flock, we must select none but 
the strongest lambs, and the healthiest of the two 
sexes, especially such as have the finest and thickest 
wool. A sheep in health carries his head erect ; its 
eye is open and bright ; the vessels on it are red, the 
muzzle is moist ; the nostrils not soiled with mucus ; 
the tongue and mouth are clean and red ; the breath 
Is not fetid ; all the motions are executed with ease ; 
the wool lies close to the skin ; the latter is soft and pli- 
ant, without any bald patches, excoriations, or ulcers. 
The best mode of improvement consists in employing 
rams of a fine breed. Foreign rams are chosen in 
preference ; but those of the country will also answer, 
provided they are perfectly healthy, have the forehead 
broad, the eyes large and bright, a long and full neck, 
a broad back, a body long and rounded, legs stout, 
and separated from each other ; the tail long and 
woolly, the wool close, long, fine, and every where 
white, and the age from two years and a half to three 
years. 

With respect to the treatment of diseases, I have 
often had an opportunity of remarking that the sheep 
is, probable, of all domestic animals, that which is least 
sensible of high dynamizations : we might expect as 
much from an animal which never thinks except of 
eating. 

It is also important not to forget that in summer 
especially, sheep are much less than other animals 



ANOREXIA DISEASE OF BLOOD. 311 

under the eyes of the proprietor, and that it generally 
happens that he is not apprized of their diseases until 
it is too late to relieve them. 

ANOREXIA. 

Diminution of appetite, when it is not the con- 
sequence of a general morbid state, frequently depends 
on the digestive powers having lost their energy, and 
then a few doses of arsenicum are sufficient to remove 
it both easily and promptly. It is often attributable 
to the stomach having been overloaded with aliment ; 
in this case antimonium crudum is the chief remedy ; 
next Pulsatilla and nux vomica, the latter more espe- 
cially when there is constipation at the same time. 

DISEASE OF BEOOI3. 

Disease of blood, or sang de rate, in general destroys 
sheep with such rapidity, that few symptoms announce 
it before death, for a very few minutes are sometimes 
sufficient for the animal to be arrested on a sudden, 
commence trembling and fall down lifeless. When it 
can be observed for a day, or at least for a few hours, 
the following symptoms present themselves : the sheep 
becomes weak and sad, it tarries behind the flock, 
holds the head down, lies on the ground, and is unable 
to rise again. If it remain standing up, it trembles 
all over, and if, after it has lain down, it be raised, it 
seems as if paralysed in the hind-quarters, w r alks with 
extreme slowness, takes a few steps in a staggering 
manner, but soon stops and falls on its side. The 
eyes are full of water, afterwards of viscid mucus ; a 
yellowish or yellowish-white mucus is also discharged 
from the nose. If the mouth and nose of the animal 
be closed, it passes bloody urine, or even pure blood. 
The breathing is difficult, and in some cases tubercles 
are observed here and there through the wool. Be- 
sides those which are the prominent phenomena, the 



312 DISEASE OF BLOOD. 

following are also observed : the animal ceases to rumi- 
nate, the breathing becomes loud and impeded, the 
eye is fixed, bright, and projecting out of the orbit, the 
muzzle is dry and of deep red color : there appears on 
the cranium a swelling which gradually attacks the 
entire head ; frothy blood is discharged from the 
mouth, nose, and often from the anus ; convulsions 
supervene, and the animal frequently dies in a very 
little time, just when such an occurrence was least 
expected. Sometimes the entire skin becomes burning 
hot, and over different parts of the body, more espe- 
cially on the abdomen, head, neck, and back, there 
appear erysipelatous and gangrenous inflammations, 
with or without pustules. In many animals, a little 
after the commencement of the disease there are ob- 
served red points, or small granular elevations in the 
parts where the wool is scanty. Occasionally the appe- 
tite continues for some time ; but when the erysipela- 
tous spots announce an increase in the severity of the 
disease, it disappears to give place to general debility 
and fever. The spots, more especially on the chest 
and belly, then rapidly increase in extent: from being 
red as they were at first, they become bluish, then 
black, which indicates gangrene, and in the course of 
from six to twelve hours death takes place. In certain 
cases which are more uncommon, erysipelatous in- 
flammation supervenes, first on one thigh, and then 
the (as it were) paralytic state of the animal is the 
first symptoms which announces the existence of the 
disease. 

The remedy for curing and preventing this affection 
is arsenicum, of which according to the greater or less 
severity of the disease at its onset, one dose is given 
every ten, fifteen, or twenty minutes, this being con- 
tinued until an evident improvement is effected : then 
a few doses of anthracinum is to be taken at more 
distant intervals. Arsenicum and anthracinum are also 
a certain preservative when the disease prevails in the 



AQUOSA CACHEXIA. 313 

neighborhood ; a dose of this is to be taken two or 
three times a week. Kleemann, who has rarely seen 
anthracinum effect a cure, considers it on the contrary 
as a decided preservative. He directs that from ten 
to twelve drops be poured into a pail of water, that 
a half-bushel or bushel of oats be steeped in the liquid 
during from six to twelve hours, and that this grain 
be then distributed, which will suffice for six hundred 
sheep. 

CACHEXIA (AQUOSA.) 

This disease, which at first is not readily recognized, 
and which proceeds very slowly from its commence- 
ment, is denoted chiefly by the following symptoms ; 
the animal, whilst preserving a healthy appearance, 
gradually loses its ordinary sprightliness ; it becomes 
slow in its movements, indolent and sad, carries the 
head and ears hanging down, and tarries behind the 
flock, should the latter walk a little more quickly than 
usual ; it often lies down, evinces very little resistance 
when seized and held, and displays but little appetite, 
though its flesh seems rather to increase than to dimi- 
nish. The eyes gradually become dull and turbid, 
the conjunctiva is pale, as also the muzzle, gums and 
skin ; the wool loses its elasticity, and may be easily 
pulled off; from the eyes and nose, mucus is fre- 
quently discharged, and from the mouth a foul saliva, 
which forms a somewhat thick coating on the tongue, 
flaccid and pale. The breathing then becomes more 
difficult, the animal more feeble, and at the same time 
that the entire body wastes away, the abdomen swells, 
more especially on the right side. The appetite 
diminishes more and more, but there is great thirst. 
At length diarrhoea and putrid fever supervene ; the 
breath becomes fetid ; the animal continues to lie 
down generally without moving, he retains the position 
in which he is placed, being from debility unable to 
27 



314 EPILEPSY. 

change it, and death at length takes place. On open- 
ing the body, the cellular tissue is found to be anasar- 
cous, the blood is very watery, and there are often 
effusions of serum in the thoracic and abdominal 
cavities. The lungs and all the other viscera are pale 
and bloodless. It is in the liver that the greatest 
number of morbid changes may be observed. This 
organ acquires a size and weight much greater than in 
the healthy state ; its substance is very easily torn, its 
color earthy or leaden, its surface covered with tuber- 
cles, and with vesicles full of water. The gall-bladder 
is much distended and gorged with bile. The reser- 
voir, the liver and biliary ducts, which are often 
dilated, contain a number of flukes (Fasciola hepatica,) 
which vary in size and color, and which continue to 
give signs of life even after the death of the animal. 
Formerly it was believed that these worms had been 
swallowed with the water or fodder ; at present it is 
known that their production, like that of other entozoa, 
is connected with a morbid state of the system. This 
disease, which bears considerable resemblance to the 
rot, and which seems even to be hereditary, is most 
usually occasioned by grazing in damp meadows. 
The means which have been found most effectual for 
this disease are graphites and lycopodium. Helleborus 
niger is suitable when there are symptoms of hydro- 
thorax, indicated by difficulty of breathing ; mercurius 
solubilis, china, nux vomica, and sulphur, when the 
excrements are whitish, and there are signs of jaundice 
and dropsy, which are not uncommon. 

EPILEPSY. 

Epilepsy is characterized as vertigo, by the stag- 
gering walk of the animal, which falls to the ground ; 
however, there is this difference, that in the attacks of 
epilepsy, the animal does not remain stretched quietly 
on the ground, but it suffers convulsions and exhibits 



INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 315 

spasmodic movements, kicks, rolls its eyes, grinds the 
teeth, foams from the month, &c. ; symptoms to which 
is often added the involuntary discharge of dung and 
urine. The duration of a fit varies much ; sometimes 
the sheep arises after the lapse of five minutes, com- 
mences to eat, and appears in as good health as ever ; 
sometimes, on the contrary, it does not come to itself 
till after the lapse of a quarter or even half an hour. 
The symptoms of the disease present no danger, 
except by their frequent repetition ; for then the 
animal wastes away by degrees, and at length dies, 
without anything else being remarked, except that by 
little and little the fits return with more severity, at 
shorter intervals. Some doses of aconitum, which 
should be followed by stramonium and belladonna are 
the principal remedies to be employed. When the 
animal kicks violently, hyoscyamus has been employed 
with success, and benefit has been said to be derived 
also from cocculus and calcarea carbonica. Camphor a, 
in frequent doses, is calculated to prevent the return 
of the fits. 

The verminous colic, which sets in with the same 
list of symptoms, yields to china. 

INFLAMMATORY FEVER. 

Inflammatory fever usually appears only during the 
hot days of summer in sheep who are well fed and 
plethoric, which have to walk too far in order to reach 
their pasture or who continue all day exposed to the 
sun without water to quench their thirst. It manifests 
itself chiefly by the following symptoms : the animal 
ceases to eat ; it feels great thirst ; has its eyes very 
red, and remains behind the flock, which it can follow 
but slowly. The pulse is much accelerated, beating 
from 90 to 100 per minute; the nose, mouth and 
breath are very hot ; the animal has little or no dis- 
charge from the bowels or bladder. If the disease 



316 



FORAGE. 



continue to progress, the body is seized with trem- 
bling, the walk becomes staggering, the breathing 
more and more difficult, the mucus membrane of the 
mouth bluish and cold, and the animal dies in con- 
vulsions, from twelve to thirty-six hours after the 
attack commenced, or else encephalitis or pneumonia 
becomes developed. The specific for this disease is 
aconitum, in frequent doses, repeated at short intervals. 
Consult the articles : Encephalitis, Enteritis, Pneu- 
monia. It is unnecessary to mention that the animal 
must be kept in a state of absolute rest, in a shaded 
and cool place, and that nothing should be allowed it 
but a little green fodder. The means of avoiding in- 
flammatory fever are, not to pen up the sheep in close 
folds, to expose them as little as possible to the sun, 
more especially about noon, and when it is very 
warm, not to lead them far, nor to make them walk 
too quickly. 

FORAGE. 

Food and drink are, as we know, objects of the ut- 
most importance to animal life. The shepherd must 
be continually on the watch that the sheep may have a 
sufficient quantity for their wants. 

The feeding of lanigerous animals, considered gene- 
rally, is of two kinds ; that which they obtain in the 
pasture, and that given them in the fold. 

Every one knows that there are good and bad pas- 
tures ; and the shepherd should be at liberty to choose 
them, such as the health of the animals require, and 
this is the point by which he is to prove that he under- 
stands his business well, that he knows how to direct 
his flock so as to keep it healthy amidst even unfavor- 
able circumstances. 

The plants which grow on a low and damp soil, 
those which cover marshes, bogs, &c, not only afford 
less alimentary substance, but contain also, some acrid 



POUAGE. 317 

and acid juices, whilst others contain injurious princi- 
ples, which injure more or less the health of the ani- 
mal. When the shepherd is obliged to have recourse 
to such pastures, he should at least not allow the sheep 
to take the food for the entire day in these places, and 
he should first drive them to fallow grounds or fields 
that have been mowed, and to places covered with 
healthy and innoxious herbage. 

If the shepherd is at liberty to lead his flock into a 
forest, especially into a copse, the foliage of the shrubs 
present an excellent remedy against the effects of un- 
wholesome meadows. When he cannot do so, he 
should at least attend that the sheep, before going to 
pasture, receive dry fodder, even if it were only com- 
mon straw, and good water in sufficient quantity. 

The very best pasture even may injure, in different 
ways, under certain circumstances. 

Rainy weather, long continued, causes plants to be 
charged with watery juices which are injurious to 
health. This circumstance, combined with cold and 
damp, may occasion the development of a cachetic 
state. To obviate so serious an inconvenience, the 
chief precautions to be taken are as follows : 1. When 
the close and rainy weather lasts for three consecutive 
days, the sheep, if there be dry fodder, should not be 
turned out till after they had eaten some ; neither 
should they remain for more than three hours in the 
damp meadow, and only two if it rain very much. 
They are then to be brought in, and, after the lapse of 
four or five hours, when they have received a second 
allowance of dry fodder, they may again be brought 
out into the open air for two or three hours. To let 
them remain on the meadow for more than from four 
to six hours a day, would be very injurious to them 
under such circumstances. 2. When in the fold they 
should have a good litter in order that they may be 
able to warm and dry themselves on it ; if they evince 
a desire for drink, it should be given to them. 3. 
27* 



318 FORAGE. 

When there is no dry fodder, and the shepherd finds 
himself obliged to feed his flock on bad pastures, he 
diminishes the chances of injury by allowing them to 
feed only in the morning and at noon, three hours each 
time, and keeping them in constant motion. 4. When 
the litter is deficient, the beasts should be collected 
together as close as possible into the fold, in order 
that they may heat each other. 5. If the rain cease 
whilst the flock is out, it may be left there longer than 
has been stated, or, if the sun shines, it may be allowed 
to remain there until evening. 6. Every time the bad 
weather renders it necessary to return to the fold, it is 
necessary to accelerate their pace, for the purpose of 
quickening the circulation, and thus increasing the an- 
imal heat. 7. The flock should never pass the night 
outside when the weather is bad. 

The shepherd needs great prudence when the pas- 
ture is covered with dew. The sheep should have dry 
fodder in the morning before going out, and if there 
be none, they should not be made to go out until the 
dew is sufficiently dissipated. If there be no means 
of avoiding their going out in the morning, they are 
allowed to graze only whilst walking gently, until the 
dew has evaporated. 

The shepherd should also act with great caution 
when he drives his flock into fields of clover, or ground 
where mustard grows. He never should allow his 
sheep to feed there long ; at most he should allow 
them but half an hour, and should carefully select the 
barest place. After two hours the flock may return. 
By acting in this way, he avoids the risk of having 
flatulence produced. In this case, also, it is useful to 
give dry fodder to the sheep before leading them to 
pasture. 

Most of the accidents which arise out of errors in 
feeding, yield to arsenicum album (a few doses only.) 
If there be merely a surfeit, antimonium crudum and 
Pulsatilla are to be employed. When constipation ex- 
ists at the same time, nux vomica should be given. . 



FOUNDERING. 319 



FOUNDERING. 

When a sheep is affected with foundering, and is 
taken to graze with the flock, it walks slowly, with the 
head depressed ; it has no sprightliness ; its appetite 
is impaired, but it is more disposed to drink ; and 
when it comes to the pasture it lies down. Its de- 
meanor in the fold is precisely the same. After some 
time the slowness of its walk is changed into a rigidity, 
or rather, tension of the limbs, a state which goes on 
constantly increasing to such a degree that the animal 
can no longer lie down but with difficulty, and re- 
quires to make great efforts in order to rise. The 
appetite continues to diminish, whilst the desire for 
drink increases. When the disease is more advanced, 
the eyelids are observed to be swollen, the eyes more 
or less inflamed, and the fore or hind feet, occasion- 
ally even the whole four, are extremely hot. In a still 
higher degree there is no longer any appetite, the feet 
are burning, and the animal feels so much pain in 
standing up and walking, that it reconciles itself to do 
so only for the purpose of obtaining water, which its 
intense thirst demands ; it drags itself along on its 
knees rather than really walks. It groans and moans ; 
there is severe fever, breathing short, and violent beat- 
ings of the flanks. If the disease be discovered in 
time, it is readily and promptly cured by aconitum 
(frequent doses) followed by bryonia (some doses,) 
when it is more advanced. These two substances are 
those which should be employed at first ; but we may 
have recourse also to arsenicum and rhus toxicoden- 
dron, when the feet are very painful ; to veratrum al- 
bum when the disease arises from cold after fatigue ; 
to slaphysagria, if the body tremble and the feet rise 
one after the other. 



320 FRACTURES GAD-FLY. 



FRACTURES. 



Fractures of the bones of the legs are much more 
uncommon in sheep than in other domestic animals : 
it is mostly in lambs we meet with instances of them. 
After having reduced the fracture, a strip of linen 
cloth is to be bound round the limb, over which two 
splints of light wood, or of thick pasteboard are to be 
placed, which are to extend from four to six inches 
superiorly and inferiorly beyond the fracture, and 
which are to be fixed on with a bandage. The 
bandage is to be moistened frequently with arnica 
water, and Symphytum is to be given internally. After 
the lapse of from ten to fifteen days the fracture is 
consolidated. 

GAD-FLY. 

The symptoms occasioned by the larva? of gad-flies 
resemble much those which attend dizziness. In the 
months of August and September, the insect known 
by the name of Oestrus ovinus deposits its eggs, often 
in great numbers, in the nostrils of the healthiest and 
best fed beasts of the flock, whilst they are sleeping on 
the meadow : the larva?, arising from thence, ascend 
into the frontal sinuses ; and until their metamor- 
phosis, they live on the mucus secreted in these cavi- 
ties. The irritation occasioned by them gives rise to 
an intense inflammation of the mucus membrane, 
which produces pains and symptoms similar to those 
of dizziness. The animal frequently raises the head 
and sneezes, which makes some of the larvae to 
come out with a great quantity of viscid mucus. If 
the number of the worms continued in the frontal 
sinuses is considerable (it sometimes amounts to one 
hundred and even more,) the inflammation may go on 
even to gangrene, and so occasion death. The means 
hitherto employed in the cure of this disease, which in 
general is slight, but occasionally also very fatal, con- 



EITES OF INSECTS 1. 



321 



sisted of blowing into the nostrils powders capable of 
producing violent sneezing, which frequently brought 
out the larvae with a considerable quantity of mucus. 
But. as Fisher has wrell observed, wtic .1 excel- 

lent book on the Oestrus of sheep : "these powders. 
employed without caution, may also become as de- 
structive to the quadruped as to the insect." He 
also advises the introduction of the vapor of sulphur 
in a state on into the nostrils of the animal, 

or to inject into them either brandy or m . The la 
are killed in every possible way. and their dead bod 
are then eliminated by sneezing. 

BITES OF INSECTS. 

The insects which torment sheep most are the ticks, 
which sink their heads deep into the skin of the sheep, 
and suck with so much greediness, that though invisi- 
ble originally, they attain the size of a kidney-bean. 
When an attempt is made to tear them away, the 
head generally remains in the wound, when it occa- 
sions inflammation and suppuration. The most simple 
means are to remove the wool, and to put I 
water on the insect. It may be killed also with cer- 
tainty by letting fall a drop . ril ,:i it. 

la3ie>j:ss. 

It is not uncommon for a sheep to commence of a 
sudden to evince lameness : '. nust be carefully 

-jed, and exarnir. attentively. If there be 

discovered any foreign substance in the cleft, it is to 
be extracted, and the wound should be washed four 
or six times a day with arnica water. Sometimes the 
lameness depends on a stone, or some hard body in 
the interval between the claws ; the removal of this 
body is then the only precaution that is to be taken. 
Consult for the other causes of lameness the articles 
Luxation and Foot-rot. 



322 LUXATIONS MADNESS. 



LUXATIONS. 

Luxations, as in other animals, require that, after 
reduction has been accomplished, the part should be 
moistened very frequently with strong tincture of 
arnica, and that this should be continued until the 
tumefaction has completely disappeared. 

MADNESS. 

Madness is generally, in sheep, the consequence of 
the bite of a rabid dog ; and in general it does not 
break out till from three to six weeks after the acci- 
dent. The animal ceases to drink and to eat, it be- 
comes restless, and evinces an excessive desire for 
copulation, without distinction of sex or age. The 
second day after the appearance of these symptoms., 
the eyes are turbid and inflamed ; their walk is totter- 
ing and unsteady, the animal takes great leaps, and 
there is some difficulty in restraining it. There is no 
desire to bite anything that comes in the way, and no 
instance is yet known of any person having been 
bitten by a mad sheep. This state lasts for some 
days ; after which the animal becomes weaker and 
weaker, at length it is no longer able to rise, and dies. 
The treatment consists of the wool being first cut, the 
bite must be carefully washed, and must be covered 
wiih linen cloths steeped in water, to which some 
drops of extract of belladonna have been added. Bel- 
ladonna must also be administered internally, at first 
every day, then every two or three days, then every 
eight days ; and this is to be continued for the space 
of from four to five weeks. The external treatment 
must be continued until there no longer remains any 
trace of the wound, which occurs, in general, after a 
few days. After the use of belladonna, benefit has been 
derived from some doses of stramonium, under the 
title of consecutive treatment. When a mad dog has 



scab. 323 

made his way among a flock, we never can be certain 
of recognizing all the animals which he may have 
bitten; prudence, therefore, requires that belladonna 
be given to the entire flock. Hydrophobium has been 
employed with success in so many cases, that one 
might be led almost to consider it the real specific for 
madness. One dose of it is to be given every two 
days during the space of from eight to fifteen days. 

SCAB. 

This disease, which attacks the same animal but 
once during life, and which invades in preference the 
young ones of the flock, is one of the diseases which 
occasion most ravages among sheep. There is this 
peculiarity in it, that we may distinguish in its progress 
certain stages (infection, eruption, maturation and dry- 
ing,) the regularity of which often depends, however, 
on accessory circumstances which invest the disease 
with a character either of mildness or malignity. 

1. In the mild form of the disease, the affected 
animal is observed for two or three days to be sor- 
rowful and dejected ; after which there appear, on 
different parts of the body, more particularly on the 
inner surface of the fore-feet and around the mouth, 
small red spots, whose centre is occupied by a pimple 
terminating in a white point. This is the stage of 
eruption which commences with febrile shiverings, 
trembling, increase of the body's heat, more especially 
at the ears and nose, redness of the eyes, and of the 
mucous membrane of the mouth ; the animal is melan- 
choly, holds the head down and the feet closely col- 
lected together, and evinces lameness, chiefly in the 
hind feet. There is neither appetite nor rumination, 
but great thirst. The greater the number of pimples, 
the more severe are these different symptoms. The 
entire body is hot, the breathing short ; a mucus clear 
as water flows from the nose, and the parts where the 
pimples form, begin to swell, more particularly on the 



./ 



324 scab. 

head, so that sometimes the animal cannot open either 
its eyes or mouth. The fever still continuing ; the 
pimples rise gradually, and seem full of a fluid, which, 
at first clear and transparent, soon becomes yellow, 
thick, and purulent. This state lasts nearly up to the 
twelfth or thirteenth day, reckoning from the invasion. 
The pimples are the size of a lentil or a pea, and are 
surrounded by a red areola. On the thirteenth day, 
the stage of drying commences. The fever diminishes, 
and the pimples become by degrees dry : the pus, 
especially in those which appeared first, becomes yel- 
low, then of a deep color ; the pimples flatten, and 
make way for scabs, which at length become detached, 
leaving a dry cicatrix behind. The stage of drying, 
during which the appetite gradually returns, lasts in 
general from five to seven days, but sometimes longer. 
2. In the malignant form of the scab, which always 
becomes a destructive epidemic, the progress is never 
so regular, nor attended by such well-marked stages. 
In general the animals are very sick from the first 
eruptive fever, the head is much swollen, the eyes are 
bleary and closed, the breathing is very difficult, and 
a viscid, fetid fluid is discharged from the*nose ; the 
animal generally keeps the mouth open, from whence 
a frothy saliva issues ; it frequently grinds the teeth, 
and voids liquid excrements, which, like the sweat, 
exhale a very disagreeable odor. The pustules con- 
cealed beneath the fleece, resemble hard, livid tuber- 
cles of a brownish or blackish color, and surrounded 
by a white or bluish edge ; they do not rise, but seem 
flat, depressed, and secrete an acrid and corroding 
vapor, which forms ulcers of so malignant a character, 
that they frequently destroy the eyes and entire pieces 
of the lips and ears. The animal is frequently covered 
over with disgusting scabs, and his emanations are 
unendurable ; in general death carries him off between 
the tenth and twentieth day. The disease appears to 
be more dangerous for the sheep than for lambs and 



rot. 325 

ram?. Sometimes the irregular scab does not attain 
this degree of malignity; but a great number of the 
animals which it attacks remain for a long time sickly, 
and come round but very slowly, or even never re- 
cover their health. 

The mild form of the scab generally requires no 
other precaution than to separate the diseased beasts 
from those which are not so, and attentively to visit 
the flock every two or three days. The diseased sheep 
may be led to the fields when the weather is fine and 
warm ; in the contrary case, they must be kept in a 
warm and dry stable, and nothing but good food be 
given to them. With respect- to the malignant form 
of the disease, rhus toxicodendron and arsenicum alter- 
nately are the remedies which have succeeded best. 
They render the disease milder, so as almost to divest 
it of its destructive nature ; and produce this effect, 
that the beasts not yet tainted, to which they have 
been administered as preservatives, contract only the 
mild form of the affection. 

Of all the preservatives which have been proposed, 
inoculation is the best ; it has two advantages : first, 
the disease so occasioned is much more mitigated, and 
very rarely proves fatal ; in the next place, an entire 
flock may get well from it in the space of fifteen days, 
whilst the natural form of the disorder requires care and 
attention for at least six months. It has been ascer- 
tained that the latter kills more than one half of those 
attacked, whilst among the sheep that have been inoc- 
ulated the greatest proportion that die of it is one per 
cent. 

ROT. 

The rot in sheep is a disease analogous to cachexy, 
which generally appears in autumn after wet summers, 
and then continues almost uniformly to prevail during 
winter and spring. The progress of the disease is 
very slow, and there is considerable difficulty in recog- 
nizing it at first. However, w r ith practice we may 
28 



326 rot. 

distinguish, even at a distance, a sheep which Is 
affected with it by its slow walk, shaking head, and 
depressed ears. The animal often remains behind the 
flock ; it allows itself to be seized without any resist- 
ance. Its loins yield to pressure. The eye is dull 
and watery ; the eye-lids are swollen ; the lips, gums, 
and palate, have a pale tint ; the skin, which is of a 
yellowish-white color, appears puffed, and retains the 
impression of the finger ; the wool changes color, loses 
its brightness, and is easily torn off, even in large 
flocks j frequently too entire flakes of skin comes off 
with it. The alvine dejections are soft, urine scanty 
and of a very deep color. There gradually forms on 
the -upper region of the neck, and on the lower jaw, a 
soft, indolent tumor, which often appears larger on 
returning from grazing, frequently disappears during 
the night, but always returns in the day, and gradually 
increases in size. By degrees the animal loses appe- 
tite, but there is increase of thirst ; rumination ceases 
altogether ; lachrymation becomes more and more 
abundant, and the nose is full of viscid mucus. Then 
the abdomen swells by constant progress of ascites ; 
the animal becomes extremely weak, it wastes away 
very much, and remains constantly lying down ; the 
pulse is quick and soft, and death takes place without 
convulsions in the midst of diarrhoea and progressive 
cold of the extremities. To these symptoms those of 
cachexy are frequently added, that is to say, there are 
found in the bile-ducts and liver, fluke- worms, the 
presence of which is announced by the yellow color 
of the skin, tongue and gums, or those of tape-worm 
in the intestines, or of worms (filiaires) in the trachea ; 
circumstances capable of inducing a fatal termination. 
On opening their dead bodies, a great quantity of 
serum is found collected in the chest, abdomen and 
cellular tissue. The blood has lost its red color, and 
is deficient in fibrin ; the lungs and flesh flaccid and 
pale ; the intestines are almost always distended with 



SHAKING. 327 

gases and yellowish ; the fat is fluid, the bile thin and 
watery. 

The most ordinary causes are exposure to a con- m 
tinuation of damp cold, the influence of marsh effluvia, 
food of bad quality, and pneumonia, especially when 
badly treated. 

It is unnecessary to say, that we should commence 
by removing all the occasional circumstances. With 
respect to the curative means, arsenicum, alternately 
w r ith china, then bryonia, veratrum album, and aconi- 
hun, are found the most efficient. Acidum muriaticum 
may also prove useful, principally as a preservative ; 
in the latter point of view, two or three doses should 
be taken every week. Also carbo vegetabilis and 
oleum terebenthincB deserve a trial. When there are 
worms in the lunsrs, and the disease has not made too 
much progress, dulcamara should be given, at first 
every day, then every two days, and the treatment 
should be terminated with some doses of sulphur. 
(See Verminous Affections.) 

SHAKING. 

Shaking attacks sheep chiefly of the improved 
breed ; yet it was already known before the introduc- 
tion of the merino breed into Germany. It consists 
in paralysis of the hind quarters and hind feet, which 
gradually brings on dryness of the entire spinal cord. 
Its precursory symptoms are peculiar restlessness of 
the animal, which runs about on every side, holding 
the head up, and frequently grinding the teeth. There 
is gradually observed rigidity to come on in the poste- 
rior extremities, which renders the gait unsteady, and 
indicates great debility in the hind quarters : this weak- 
ness increases to such a degree, that in walking the 
animal turns the hind part of the body to the right 
and left, and at length is only able to trail it along ; 
the least pressure on the sacrum is sufficient to throw 



328 wounds. 

it to the ground. There is often observed a trembling 
over the entire body, more especially at the head and 
ears, and a peculiar itching, or a feeling somewhat 
like it, which obliges the animal to rub itself against 
everything it meets, so that its tail, flanks, and thighs 
ultimately lose their wool, and become covered with 
wounds. The animal wastes away more and more, 
and at length becomes so weak that it cannot rise. 
At length diarrhoea makes its appearance, and death 
takes place, generally from the second to the fourth 
month. The disease is not contagious, but it is said 
to be hereditary. The specific is acidum sulphuricum^ 
three or four doses a week. 



WOUNDS, 

Simple superficial wounds are quickly and easily 
cured by the external use of arnica ; by the help of 
this treatment twenty-four hours are sufficient to effect 
cicatrization of those which are caused during the 
progress of shearing. Deep-seated wounds are never 
cured without suppuration : this must be left to itself 
when it is healthy. If, on the contrary, the pus is 
ichorous and fetid, mercurius vivus and asafcetida 
should be given internally ; when it is thick, and of a 
bad color, we should have recourse to silicea. When 
the edges of the wound are hard and everted, arseni- 
cum is the most useful. If there have been a fracture 
of bone, or of periosteum, symphitum must be em- 
ployed, both internally and externally. 



ANGINA. 329 



SECTION II. 

EXTERNAL DISEASES, AND THOSE OF THE MOUTH AND 
THROAT. 



ANGINA, 

This inflammation of the pharynx is often caused by- 
cold, when the sheep, after having been heated, breathe 
a cold air, or when on leaving warm folds they pass 
into the cold air, or when they lie on a cold and damp 
soil. The animals affected with disease are very hot, 
their eyes are red and there is intense thirst ; they lose 
appetite, are melancholy, and hold the head down, 
this part being protruded forward, as if they w T anted 
breath. When the disease augments, the breathing 
becomes much embarrassed, stertorous, and sibilous ; 
the neck is swollen, and very sensitive to the slightest 
touch. At length the animal can no longer swallow, it 
cannot breathe without the greatest efforts, falls with 
all the symptoms of suffocation, and perishes. Very 
often the disease breaks out Avithout any precursory 
symptom. The animal frequently sneezes, coughs, 
and raises the head, as if to breathe more easily through 
the mouth ; a discharge from the nose is occasionally 
observed. Let but the slightest narrowing of the air 
passages then come on, and suffocation is inevitable. 
As soon as the first symptoms of the disease are ob- 
served, from five to eight doses of aconitum are to be 
given without delay at very short intervals of time ; 
these sometimes suffice to prevent the development of 
this formidable inflammation. If after three or four 
hours, the disease is diminished, but the respiration is 
still embarrassed, loud, and whistling, spongia marina 
soon affords relief. It in general effects a perfect and 

28* 



330 APHTHA. 

complete cure : only sometimes it becomes necessary 
to have recourse to other means, among which hepar 
sulphuris and bryonia must be more particularly dis- 
tinguished. When the danger of suffocation no longer 
exists, deglutition still remains difficult and painful ; 
when the animal swallows fluids with difficulty, and 
its eyes are fixed and prominent, belladonna possesses 
specific properties. It must be given immediately 
after aconitum, when at the onset of the disease it is 
the deglutition more than the respiration that seems to 
be affected. 

APHTHiE. 

Aphthae appear in lambs, either in consequence of 
a change in the mother's milk, or from some internal 
disease. The disease is discovered by the lamb no 
longer sucking, and its wasting away ; on examining 
the interior of the mouth, vesicles are observed to be 
there, often in great numbers ; these burst, leaving an 
ulcerated bottom, from which a fluid escapes. The 
mouth is full of a saliva of bad odor. The means 
which succeed best are acidum, muriaticum, acidum 
sidphuricum, and borax. Two or three doses of sul- 
phur should likewise be given to the mother. 

ABSCESS BETWEEN THE CLEFT. 

This affection, which sometimes accompanies foot- 
rot, chiefly owes its origin to the introduction of a 
foreign body into the biflex canal, situate above the 
anterior extremity of the interval which separates the 
hoof. Thence results an inflammation and swelling, 
owing to the accumulation of the secretion in the 
canal, through the anterior extremity of which it can- 
not escape. The animal limps very much. The cure 
is very simple. First, the foreign body must be re- 
moved ; the swelling must be compressed in order to 
empty it of its contents ; the part must be well washed 



CARBUNCLE OF THE TONGUE. 331 

with fresh and cool water, and it must be encompassed 
with a linen cloth frequently steeped in arnica water. 

BLACK MOUTH. 

These come on, more especially in lambs, rarely in 
lanigerous beasts of a certain age, a scabby eruption, 
which attacks chiefly the parts around the mouth, the 
eyes, and ears, and occasionally extends over the entire 
face. Some doses of sulphur, or of tincture of sulphur, 
are always sufficient to cure it in a very little time. 



CARBUNCLE OF THE TONGUE. 

When a sheep is affected with this disease, there 
are observed to appear on the tongue, and in different 
parts of the cavity of the mouth, vesicular elevations 
of various sizes, which pass rapidly into the state of 
gangrene, after which the tongue becomes detached, 
and falls in flakes. The animal becomes very restless, 
its breathing very much accelerated ; it allows the 
tongue to hang out of its mouth. This organ is dry, 
and the expired air is very hot ; the eyes seem in- 
flamed, and project out of their orbits. The appetite 
has entirely disappeared. As soon as -this disease is 
observed, the pustules must be scraped with an iron 
spoon, an assistant holding the head low down, in 
order that the animal may not swallow anything : 
then the wounds are to be cleaned with a bone spatula 
steeped in oil, and the mouth should be washed three 
or four times a day with water, to which arsenicum 
has been added, (live or six drops to a cup of the 
fluid.) If the vesicles have not already opened of 
themselves, the animal is lost. Care should be taken 
not to receive any of the discharge on the hands, and 
when proceeding to the operation, it will be well to 
rub them with oil, or, at least, to cover them with 
gloves. 



332 COUGH ERYSIPELAS — DISEASES OF THE EYES, 



COUGH. 

Moist weather, abrupt and sudden change of tempe- 
rature, cold, more especially in spring, when the sheep 
pass from a warm stable to the open air, or even the 
cold water they drink, frequently occasion fits of 
coughing, which generally yield in a few days to dul- 
camara. Cough also comes on as a symptom of other 
diseases, on the cure of which it is found to disappear. 



ERYSIPELAS. 

This disease, which sometimes affects the sheep of 
a good breed, consists in a swelling of the head, which 
contains much watery serum. It is accompanied by 
fever, with heat, great thirst, dejection, and loss of 
appetite. Aconitum and belladonna are specifics for it. 



DISEASES OF THE EYES. 

Ophthalmia is sometimes observed to break out 
either in consequence of dust, insects, &c, having 
entered the eye, or even without any appreciable ex- 
ternal cause. If the cause be a foreign body, it must 
be extracted, and the eye bathed with arnica water ; 
some doses of arnica must also be taken internally. 
If the eye retain any dimness, it is to be removed by 
means of cannabis, conium, and belladonna. Acute 
ophthalmia, brought on by cold, yields to a few doses 
of aconitum, which is to be followed by belladonna on 
the second or third day. We have recourse to can- 
nabis for the removal of specks on the cornea. Chronic 
ophthalmia requires euphrasia, and when it is accom- 
panied with lachrymaiion, Pulsatilla and sulphur. The 
latter medicine produces good effects also in cases of 
ophthalmia, which have supervened to rot, or when 
pustules are developed on the eye. 



FOOT-ROT. 333 



FOOT-ROT. 



There are two forms of this disease, which must be 
carefully distinguished from each other : — 

1. The mild foot-rot, most usually associated with 
ulceration of the mouth, (stomacace) and which ex- 
tends generally to entire flocks. It usually com- 
mences by fever, more or less violent, which some- 
times continues during the course of the disease, and 
is recognized by symptoms, the principal of which are 
the following : the animal of a sudden becomes sad, 
and limps on one or more feet ; there is heat, redness 
and swelling of the feet, chiefly at the interdigital space, 
and on the coronet. At a later period the inflamed 
points are ulcerated ; and on the cushion there appear 
vesicles which at first, secrete a fluid clear as water, 
and pus at a subsequent period. This disease pro- 
gresses with great rapidity. It generally disappears 
of its own accord in a few days. However, in order 
to accelerate the cure, and render it more certain, the 
foot is to be washed frequently with warm water, the 
superfluous horn is to be removed when it projects, or 
is any way altered, and arnica is to be employed both 
internally and externally. 

2. Malignant foot-rot. The animal begins to limp, 
sometimes at first in one of the fore-legs or hind-legs ; 
sometimes in the two fore-legs and two hind-legs, until 
the whole four are affected. The diseased foot is hot 
and a little swollen, the clefts are separated a little 
more from each other than in the healthy state. The 
skin of the interdigital space is red, and exudes a fluid 
of a bad odor ; this fluid gradually assumes the ap- 
pearance of ichor, which not only inflames and ex- 
coriates the surrounding integuments, but becomes 
effused also behind the horny wall, which is separated 
in part or entirely from the living parts : sometimes 
even the integuments, tendons, and the very bones are 



334 FOOT-ROT. 

involved. The animal, then incapable of walking, 
moves along on its knees, or remains lying down, and 
wastes away gradually, though retaining generally a 
good appetite. This form is very contagious, so that 
when the sheep just attacked is not removed away 
from the flock, all the others soon become affected. 
To propagate the disease, it is quite sufficient that a 
flock should pass over a place which has a little before 
been walked over by a diseased sheep. 

Opinions are divided regarding the cause of foot-rot. 
It probably had its origin in the warm regions of ihe 
globe, and thence extended, by contagion, like small- 
pox ; at least it is proved that it was introduced into 
our flocks by sheep of Spanish origin. Damp, rainy 
weather favors its development. 

Foot-rot usually commences by a vesicle, or small 
ulcer in the interdigital space. As soon as it is per- 
ceived, the diseased part must be scraped to the quick 
with a sharp knife ; then the foot is to be washed 
with salt water, and the wound must be touched with a 
feather steeped in dilute nitric acid. Nitric acid must 
also be given internally, followed by thuja and sulphur. 
If the ulcer has already extended beneath the horn, the 
latter must be removed as well as all the parts that 
have been affected, and must be washed w r ith salt 
water. It is necessary also to touch the surface of 
the wound with nitric acid, and to moisten it with -a 
few drops of ammonia ; after which the foot should be 
bandaged up, and the animal must be separated from 
the others. In general it is about eight days before 
the animal can walk. Sometimes, when all the parts 
affected have not been removed, the sheep once more 
begins to limp, and the disease seems to return ; in 
this case the same mode of treatment must be adopted. 
The sheep that have been cured must be separated 
from the flock for some further time, 



ITCH. 



ITCH. 



335 



This name is given to an eruptive, extremely conta- 
gious disease, which, in general, is only observed from 
the end of autumn to the spring, and presents itself 
under two different forms. • 

1. Dry itch. This consists of small red spots which 
appear on the skin, and from which small white vesi- 
cles arise, containing an acrid fluid ; these vesicles are 
followed by small ulcers, on which scabs soon form 3 
which after some time soon fall off. The disease 
always occasions violent itching, which constantly 
obliges the animal to scratch itself with its foot, to rub 
itself against all other bodies that come in its way ; 
and even to bite itself with its teeth everywhere its 
head can reach. By these symptoms we may recog- 
nize a scabious sheep, even at a distance. When ex- 
amined closely it is observed that in the places where 
it scratches itself, the skin is bald, discolored, and 
covered over both with whitish scales, and hard, and 
granular elevations. When left to itself, this itch 
covers the chief part of the body, and the wool is 
gradually detached from the regions attacked by it. 

2. Moist itch. This is the same disease carried to a 
higher degree, and one which torments the sheep much 
more, as the animal does not for a moment cease to 
rub, scratch and bite itself. There are observed on 
the body places which are bald, or covered with a 
scanty portion of wool, which are the seat of soft, cir- 
cumscribed tumors, and which present hard, red, or 
livid points, whence a fluid escapes which on becom- 
ing dry forms a scab. The scabs are frequently the 
breadth of the hand and of considerable thickness : 
they cover a surface which is constantly oozing, or 
even deep seated and fistulous ulcers. The animal 
wastes away, though having a good appetite, and 
eventually perishes of marasmus, rot, &c. 

In most cases the itch is the result of contagion and 



336 itch. 

a single sheep infected with it is sufficient to infect an 
entire flock. However there must be certain circum- 
stances by the combination or cooperation of which 
the first development of the disease takes place, which, 
once formed, is capable of extending rapidly and read- 
ily by contagion. Among these circumstances, the 
first rank appertains to that which Hahnemann calls 
psora, that is, a sort of germ which permits the disease 
to be produced under certain influences, and which, 
moreover, may owe its origin to a combination of un- 
favorable circumstances, such as an unhealthy fold, 
insufficient food, a rainy, damp, or cold season, &c. 

The cure is very simple, and effected in six or eight 
days, without lotions or unguents, by means of a prep- 
aration known by the name of balsamus terebinlhince 
sulphuraliis. Three doses (each consisting of two 
drops of the strong tincture) are sufficient to remove 
the disease, even when it has attained considerable 
extension. I may mention, but only as an exception, 
that I have sometimes been obliged to administer a 
dose of it every day during eight to twelve days. The 
dynamizations prepared according to the precepts of 
art not having hitherto succeeded, I now adhere to 
the strong tincture, which is prepared as follows: there 
is taken one part (by weight) of sulphur, which is to be 
boiled in four parts of linseed oil, to perfect solution, 
which yields an elastic mass of a brownish black color, 
exhaling a disagreeable sulphurous odor ; one part of 
this mass is then dissolved in three parts of oil of tur- 
pentine, and the medicine is obtained. 

The terebinthinate balsam of sulphur serves not only 
to cure the itch, but even to prevent it ; for this pur- 
pose, each individual of the flock receives at the 
commencement of the autumn a couple of doses of it, 
which is to be repeated after the lapse of a month or 
six weeks. 

If the experiments I have made on this point be 
confirmed, the matter would be deserving of serious 



SWELLING OF THE TEATS. 337 

examination ; for much of the expenses occasioned by 
the purchase of medicines might be spared, as well 
as the loss of wool and of a good number of sheep. 
Only care should be taken that the animals really re- 
ceived the substance just mentioned, and its applica- 
tion should be watched, or it should be entrusted only 
to persons in whom Ave might rely. After the exhibi- 
tion of the balsam, the animal should remain at least 
for two hours without eating, and particularly without 
drinking. 

I should mention that scablesinum ovium, mezereum 
and sulpha?' have been recommended by others for 
curing the itch. 



SWELLING OF THE TEATS. 

The sheep which suckle may be seized with inflam- 
matory swelling of the teat by the action of different 
causes. Bryonia, belladonna, and chamomilla are 
useful for this affection. If the inflammation pass into 
gangrene, which is an uncommon occurrence, arseni- 
cum should be employed ; if the skin becomes purple 
and livid, and is easily detached, we should have 
recourse to secale cornulum ; when the swelling termi- 
nates in induration, chamomilla and camphora are to 
be administered ; sometimes resolution is not to be 
obtained, then mercurius vivus and he-par sulphur is 
cause the tumor to form an abscess. Sometimes the 
disease terminates by suppuration : we are then to 
employ the means indicated under the article Sup- 
puration in the diseases of the horse, more especially 
Pulsatilla. 

ULCERATED MOUTH ( STOMACACE. ) 

In this disease the inside of the mouth is hot, full 
of mucus and saliva, with swelling of the gums and 
tongue. By degrees there appear in the cavity of the 
29 



338 WOUNDS OF THE CLEFT OF THE FOOT. 

mouth, on the palate and gums, small white vesicles, 
which burst and leave behind them superficial ulcera- 
tions. A viscid saliva then flows incessantly from the 
mouth. The pain prevents the animal from eating, 
but it drinks much and very greedily ; commonly the 
disease attacks the entire flock, and is often accom- 
panied with mild foot-rot. In many cases it disap- 
pears of itself. The chief means to be employed for 
it are : mercurius, solubilis, acidum sulphuricum and 
helleborus niger, the latter more especially when the 
gums are very soft, and the animal appears very sad. 

WOUNDS OF THE CLEFT OF THE FOOT. 

Should a nail, a fragment of glass, a thorn, or any 
other sharp body enter the foot of a sheep, the result 
always is inflammation, suppuration, and lameness. 
We should commence by extracting the foreign body, 
after which the wound should be washed with arnica 
water, and arnica should also be given internally. If 
the lesion be at all considerable, the foot is to be 
encompassed with a linen cloth in order to keep it 
clean, and the ablutions with arnica water are to be 
repeated several times a day. When there is much 
inflammation, and it does not yield to arnica, it may 
be removed with aconitum and squilla. This last 
remedy is specific whenever the wound of a foot causes 
the animal intense pain. 

When a sheep walks for a length of time on hard 
roads, particularly in dry weather, its feet are often 
attacked with an inflammatory affection characterized 
chiefly by heat and pain of the foot, lameness, diffi- 
culty of walking, and raising of the affected foot, whilst 
the animal is at rest. Arnica, internally and externally, 
generally removes all the symptoms, those at least not 
connected with inflammation. In certain cases a dose 
of conium after arnica, produces very good effects. If 
it be less the cleft, than the sole that is painful, arseni- 



colic. 339 

cum possesses useful properties. When the case has 
been neglected, it often passes into suppuration, which 
may occasion loss of the horny part of the foot. Under 
such circumstances squilla, conium, and acidum phos- 
phoricum, have been found very effectual. Benefit has 
been derived also from antimonium crudum, nux 
vomica, mercurius vivus and Pulsatilla, the last more, 
especially when there are deep-seated fistulous ulcers,. 



SECTION III 



INTERNAL DISEASES. 



COJLIC. 

This disease may be owing to different causes, to 
cold, constipation, to an excess of food, and probably 
to worms also. The animal so affected suddenly 
evinces great restlessness, with severe pains in the 
belly, frequently viewing its flanks, and keeping itself 
doubled up, throws itself on the ground, arises sud- 
denly, utters groans and plaintive bleatings ; its breath- 
ing is hurried ; in general it can neither pass urine 
nor excrement ; its ears, legs, and muzzle are cold. 
When relief is not soon brought, the disease is liable 
to prove fatal ; from twelve to twenty-four hours are 
sufficient for gangrene to attack the intestines. With 
respect to treatment, several species of colic may be 
distinguished. 

1. The windy colic is common in wool-bearing 
animals which have eaten greedily of relishing herbsj 



340 colic. 

especially when wet with dew or rain. It is also 
observed in those which drink much after having eaten 
grass. In this case the belly swells suddenly ; the 
animal evinces much restlessness and distress; its 
breathing is hurried and the body cold ; it stops 
abruptly, collects its feet under its body, allows its 
head to hang, and cannot discharge from its bowels, 
notwithstanding the constant borborygmus heard in its 
bowels. The specific here is colchicum autumnale, two 
or three doses of which always suffice. Lime-water 
also has been employed successfully in many cases. 
In some countries they have recourse to a process 
which affords relief with wondrous celerity ; this pro- 
cess consists in covering for a minute or two the mouth 
and nose of the animal with a cap, handkerchief, &c. ; 
then when the animal is set at liberty, it shakes the 
head violently, has rising of the stomach, and finds 
itself cured ; the swelling of the belly diminishes per- 
ceptibly. If necessary, the process may be repeated 
a second time. 

2. The colic of constipation comes on after irregu- 
larities in diet, after cold experienced by the animal, 
whilst heated. Besides the general symptoms of colic, 
it also makes efforts to free the bowels. Some doses 
of aconitum, followed by arsenicum, generally remove 
the worst symptoms ; after which we may succeed in 
freeing the bowels promptly and easily by means of 
nux vomica, opium, and plumbum. 

3. The colic of cold, or spasmodic colic, differs 
from colic chiefly in this, that it is not like the latter 
accompanied with tympanitis, and that it is not con- 
tinuous, but returns by fits. Repeated doses of aconi- 
tum are in general sufficient, unless we might after- 
wards have recourse to arsenicum. 

4. For inflammatory colic. See Enteritis. 



CONSTIPATION CORYZA. 341 



CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation is sometimes an accessory symptom 
of some disease, and sometimes a symptom altogether 
independent, which may be accompanied or not with 
colic. That which arising neither from spasm nor 
inflammation, manifests itself consequently without 
colic, frequently depends on fodder that is too dry, 
especially when at the same time the animal has not 
sufficient water to quench its thirst. Nux vomica is 
the remedy to be employed in such a case. When 
diarrhoea alternates with constipation, Pulsatilla should 
be given, and when there is at the same time repug- 
nance for food, recourse should be had to antimonium 
crudem. 

CORYZA. 

The mild coryza of lanigerous animals is a disease 
of little importance, which generally disappears sponta- 
neously. It. comes on after a slight cold, or under the 
influence of other causes capable of exciting cough, 
for instance, when the flock is overtaken by a heavy 
shower coming on suddenly during a sultry day. The 
animals frequently sneeze, their eyes are dull and 
watery : from their nose there is discharged a mucus 
which is at first very liquid, then thicker, which often 
stops up the nostrils, so as to interfere with the breath- 
ing, to oblige the sheep to raise the head, and often 
the mouth. In such a case it is sufficient to withdraw 
the flock from the cold and moist air, to shelter it from 
cold, &c. But when the disease is prolonged, it as- 
sumes a malignant character and degenerates into a 
contagious affection, accompanied with a purulent dis- 
charge from the nose, which causes the animals to 
waste very much, and frequently proves fatal to them. 
Aconitum and chamomilla are, in such cases, the means 
on which most reliance is to be placed ; after which 
29* 



342 DIABETES. 

a dose of belladonna often proves very serviceable. 
Spongia marina and belladonna might also be em- 
ployed with advantage. The invalids must be set 
apart by reason of the readiness with which the dis- 
ease is transmitted. However, it is by no means to be 
compared to glanders in the horse ; it being only a 
violent coryza, which soon yields to proper treatment. 
Arsenicum album, and dulcamara are frequently of 
great benefit. 

DISEASE OF THE STOMACH FROM EATING 
CERTAIN PLANTS. 

This disease, caused by the buds of certain trees, for 
instance, the oak and elder tree, which animals eat 
with greediness when the opportunity offers, consists 
essentially in an inflammatory state of the digestive 
organs and kidneys. The animal is constipated, dis- 
charges blood from the bladder ; its alvine evacuations 
are covered with it. There is intense fever, with beat- 
ings of the flanks, and great thirst. The skin seems 
as if stuck on the back, which is arched upwards, and 
cracks like parchment when pressed with the fingers 
over the lateral parts of the body. The limbs become 
cold and stiff, sometimes to such a degree that the 
animal remains standing up, as if deprived of life, or 
so that if it fall, it cannot get up again. When relief 
is not afforded in time, the inflammation degenerates 
into gangrene, and death is inevitable. Some doses 
of aconilum, followed by repeated doses of arscnicum, 
are the remedies. 

DIABETES. 

Though this disease is not, generally speaking, so 
common in animals as in the human species, it is, how- 
ever, sometimes observed in lanigerous animals, espe- 
cially in lambs, and, under some circumstances, it 
attacks even entire flocks. The affected animal passes 



DIARRHCEA. 

urine every moment as clear as water, walks with hind 
legs separated, and is very sensitive in the lumbar re- 
gion ; it feels at the same time great thirst, but little 
appetite, and the power of rumination is suspended. 
There supervenes, by degrees, weakness, emaciation, 
acute pains in passing urine, and sometimes voiding of 
blood. Death takes place after the disease has lasted 
for weeks and even entire months. One of the prin- 
cipal occasional causes appears to be exposure of the 
flocks to long-continued bad weather, unwholesome 
stables, and chiefly the use of certain plants, particu- 
larly the young shoots of the fir and oak trees.. Before 
any treatment, we must investigate the cause, and re- 
move it when it can be discovered. With respect to 
the curative means, lycopodium and mercurius vivus 
have proved the most effectual. Carho vegetabilis has 
also been extolled, mezereum, acidum phosphoricum, 
argentitm, Pulsatilla, and creosotum are also useful. 

DIARRHCEA. 

Diarrhoea, which may be recognized by the liquid 
dejections frequently voided by the animal, is particu- 
larly dangerous to lambs, in which it often assumes 
the character of a destructive epidemic. 

In sheep it is rather common in spring, when the 
animals cannot be accustomed to the grass. But it is 
of a more destructive character when it has been 
brought on by damaged food, in whatever season of 
the year it may be. The chief remedies to be em- 
ployed for its removal are, ipecacuanha, arsenicum, and 
rheum, or antimonium crudum, when there exists at the 
same time a dislike to food. 

In lambs it almost always depends on the bad qual- 
ity of the mother's milk. Pulsatilla never fails to cure 
it. Sulphur should be given to the mother, as also 
better fodder. The stable should be warm, dry, and 
furnished with sufficient straw. 



344 DIZZINESS. 

Diarrhoea is frequently a symptom of a general mor- 
bid state, for example, of the disease caused by worms, 
rot, &c. Under these circumstances, the treatment 
should be directed against the principal disease. 

DIZZINESS. 

Dizziness is a very dangerous disease, almost exclu- 
sively confined to wool-bearing animals; it is seldom 
observed in two-year old sheep, and still more so in 
adults. Its development always takes place very slow- 
ly. It is recognized chiefly by the whirling round and 
stumbling of the animal, which, whilst walking, seems a 
prey to vertigo. It is first announced by an unsteady, 
uncertain gait : the animal remains behind the flock, 
loses its sprightliness, carries the head down, and has a 
wild look. The eye is generally pale and bluish. The 
animal often forgets itself whilst eating ; it ceases to 
graze, and hangs the head, without masticating. By 
degrees the debility increases, the animal no longer 
attends to anything, and soon commences to turn itself; 
the head being dow^n and looking to the affected side, 
or else it falls to the ground. All these symptoms 
become more and more marked in time. Sheep are 
often observed to describe eccentric circles for whole 
hours, then step forwards a few paces, then again stop, 
and turn round again. The older the disease, the more 
the animal turns, until at length it does it even in a 
trot. The appetite goes on diminishing, emaciation 
becomes more and more perceptible, and the state of 
exhaustion terminates in death. On opening the body 
the seat of the disease is always found to be in the brain ; 
accordingly, there are met either beneath the bones of 
the cranium, or beneath the dura mater, or in the brain 
itself, hydatids varying in number and size, sometimes 
a single one, often from three to six, the size of which 
varies ; according as these worms occupy the right 
side or the left side, the sheep turns to the right or left ; 



DYSENTERY. 345 

but if they exist on both sides, the turning sometimes 
takes place to the one side, sometimes to the other. 
The animal very often does not turn, which happens 
when the worm is placed on the median line ; then the 
affected animal carries the head down, and though it 
seems to move rapidly, it does not change place. When 
the hydatid is situated on the posterior part of the brain, 
the animal carries the head high, runs straight forward, 
and throws itself on every object it meets. 

It is well known that all the methods employed for 
the cure of this extraordinary disease end, at the very 
utmost, in saving some patients, and that the results 
are as uncertain as they are fatal, even for the latter. 
Homoeopathy, on the contrary, possesses a remedy, this 
is belladonna. One dose, at first every day, then every 
two days, is sometimes sufficient to effect a cure. This 
latter takes place so much the more readily — the earlier 
the disease is discovered, and the sooner the remedy is 
applied. Of late years ccenurinum has been recom- 
mended, that is to say, the hydatid itself dynamized. 
Some trials I have made on this matter have not proved 
successful, whilst belladonna has never failed. 

DYSENTERY. 

Dysentery, which is frequently confounded with 
diarrhoea, consists in an inflammation of the abdominal 
organs. It frequently breaks out when a very warm 
summer has been followed abruptly by a damp and cold 
autumn, or when the fodder has been spoiled by too 
much moisture, it may then become a destructive epi- 
demic. It is recoguized chiefly by constant and painful 
desires to evacuate the bowels, with tenesmus, which 
efforts are attended with no other result than the escape 
of a bloody mucus. Some doses of aconitum and arsen- 
icum remove the intestinal inflammation, after which, if 
there still remain diarrhoea, we must employ the means 
directed under that article. Chamomilla and rheum 
especially have proved very effectual. 



346 ENTERITIS. 



ENCEPHALITIS. 

This disease is sometimes caused by internal causes, 
and sometimes by external, such as the sun-stroke, 
blows on the head, too plentiful food, &c. The animal 
ceases to eat, hangs its ears and head, which is hot to 
the touch, walks along staggering, and unconscious 
-whither it goes ; its eyes bright and red, and projecting 
from the head, the air it expires is hot, the breathing 
short, rapid, and accompanied by violent beating of the 
flanks. It remains lying down very much, the head 
stretched on the ground, and when the disease has a 
fatal termination, it dies in convulsions, and w T ith the 
symptoms of apoplexy. One dose of aconitum from 
every five to ten minutes, then belladonna, w T hich must 
also be repeated several times at the end of two or 
three hours, are the curative means to be employed. 
Hyoscyamus also proves useful, but still more veratrum 
album, which is chiefly suitable when the animal rises 
abruptly from time to time, and strays about in every 
direction as if blind. The disease called turnstick, it is 
stated, has been frquently observed in sheep which 
had not been properly treated for encephalitis. 

ENTERITIS. 

Enteritis and gastritis, also styled inflammatory colic, 
often follow the eating of poisonous plants, damaged 
fodder, more especially when mouldy, intense cold, as 
that resulting from cold water drunk when the animal 
is very much heated, and all the causes which are capa- 
ble of producing colic in domestic animals. The symp- 
toms are those which never fail to make their appear- 
ance during fits of colic ; violent and continued pain of 
the belly, intense heat of the whole body, inextinguish- 
able thirst, constant pulsation of the flanks, and constipa- 
tion. The animal frequently attempts to lie down, but 
rises up immediately with groaning, and gives itself up 



HEMATURIA HEPATITIS. 347 

to irregular and violent movements of every kind. 
When effectual relief is not procured in time, it is seized 
with convulsive trembling, its ears become cold, as also 
its nose and feet, and death takes place amid violent pul- 
sation of the flanks, and constant moving of the tail. 
Aconitum is the principal remedy, and often it suffices 
by itself, when the disease has been caused by cold ; 
however, it must be given in frequently repeated doses, 
and at intervals which are to be continually shorter. 
When from five to eight have not effected a complete 
cure, arsenicum becomes indispensable, and it seldom 
happens that two or three doses are not sufficient. 
Under certain circumstances, Pulsatilla also has been 
found useful. 

HEMATURIA. 

Discharge of blood from the bladder often occurs 
after the sheep has eaten certain acrid and irritating 
substances, for instance, shoots of the fir-tree, of the 
oak, or alder-tree, of the ranunculi, &c. It manifests 
itself by the discharge of red urine, and sometimes 
also by that of pure blood. There is, moreover, heat, 
intense thirst, frequent desire to pass urine, sensibility 
in the lumbar region, rigidity of the movements, some- 
times also colic. The principal remedy, especially at 
the onset of the disease, is ipecacuanha, some doses of 
which should be administered rapidly. If there exist 
symptoms of nephritis, which frequently occasions 
death, we must instantly have recourse to some doses 
of aconitum, after which cantharides must be taken. 

HEPATITIS. 

Inflammation of the liver, which some persons con- 
sider as identical with watery cachexy, generally pre- 
sents itself under the form of a slow fever ; the sheep 
wastes away amid the symptoms of a general morbid 
state ; the eyes, tongue, and skin, assume a yellowish 



348- 



JAUNDICE — NEPHRITIS. 



tint ; the wool is of a dirty appearance. After some 
time, all the symptoms of cachexy break forth. The 
chief remedies are : aconitum, at the commencement, 
and digitalis purpurea, as soon as the inflammatory 
symptoms declare themselves. If jaundice begin to 
appear, chamomilla, mercurius vivus, and nux vomica 
are useful. 

JAUNDICE, 

Jaundice, announced by the yellow tint of the con- 
junctiva, mucous membrane of the mouth, tongue, and 
gums, depends on an affection of the liver, chiefly on 
an accumulation of hydatids in this organ and the 
biliary ducts ; it is also, in general, the infallible pre- 
cursor of cachexia, just as this state is sometimes the 
consequence of hepatitis. We should chiefly employ 
for its cure, mercurius vivus, nux vomica and cham- 
omilla. However, to the yellow color of the skin, 
there are usually joined other symptoms, which cause 
it to sink down to the rank of a secondary affection, 
and which must serve as a guide in the choice of the 
means to be employed to restore health. 

NEPHRITIS. 

Inflammation of the kidneys may be the result of 
external violence, or may depend on the animal having 
eaten stimulating plants, such as the ranunculi, buds 
of the fir-tree, oak, or elder, &c. It manifests itself 
by the ordinary symptoms of fever, heat of the mouth, 
dryness and redness of the eyes, &c. Its character- 
istic signs are pains and an extreme sensibility in the 
region of the kidneys. The back is arched, the walk 
stiff and painful, with the legs widely separated. The 
animal frequently looks towards the region of the 
kidneys, and scrapes with the feet ; he feels a constant 
desire to pass water, but he voids, and that with con- 
siderable pain, only a very trifling quantity of deep- 



PNEUMONIA. 



349 



colored or bloody urine. The appetite is gone, and 
the thirst rather severe. We commence by the 
employment of two or three doses of aconitum, 
followed by canlharides after the lapse of two or three 
hours, from two to three doses. Perhaps nitrum and 
cannabis also might be employedwith success, either 
alone or alternate with nux vomica. 

PNEUMONIA. 

Pneumonia is attributable to the same causes as 
angina. It is observed chiefly after shearing, when 
the sheep are exposed to cold without sufficient pre- 
caution. The animal is then seized with shivering, it 
trembles, its breathing is hurried and short, accompa- 
nied by violent beating of the flanks and dilatation of 
the nostrils ; and the pulse, instead of being 70, 
amounting even to 80 or 90. Further, as in all in- 
flammatory diseases, there is great depression, loss of 
appetite, and slowness in ruminating ; the alvine 
dejections are very dry, or there is constipation. The 
ears, muzzle, and legs are sometimes cold, sometimes 
hot. ; the cough which accompanies the disease, is 
very painful and short. There is great thirst, and still 
the sheep cannot drink except in small draughts, 
stopping frequently, in consequence of the pain it gives 
him. When the disease progresses, the animal no 
longer lies down, and its walk becomes staggering, 
which obliges it to lean on something ; the breathing 
is more and more rapid, and death terminates the 
sufferings. The cure presents no difficulty under the 
homoeopathic treatment. The first and most important 
of all remedies is aconitum, one dose of which is to be 
administered, from every ten to twenty minutes, until 
the fever diminishes perceptibly, and the animal seems 
more tranquil. If it be taken in time, aconitum is very 
often sufficient by itself to conquer the disease ; if not, 
Bryonia, sulphur, phosphorus, tartarus emelicus, digi- 
talis, &c. should be used under their several indica- 
tions. 30 



350 TETANUS LYMPANITIS. 

TETANUS. 

Tetanus, which appears to be chiefly the effect of 
cold, but often comes on also after castration, is gene- 
rally fatal. In some years and some countries it 
destroys a great number of lambs. The animal, com- 
pletely stiff, cannot move any part, more especially 
the jaws. Nux vomica has been found a useful remedy. 

LYMPANITIS. 

This dangerous disease, which calls for the most 
prompt aid, generally owes its origin to the greediness 
with which beasts devour certain kinds of food in 
excessive quantity. It consists in a development of 
gases which distend the stomach to an enormous 
degree. The animal, which up to the present mo- 
ment, enjoyed all its sprightliness and perfect health, 
suddenly ceases to eat : it becomes sad and still, does 
not ruminate, and carries the head down ; its body 
seems swollen, more especially on the left side, and 
sounds like a drum when struck on the upper part ; it 
keeps its head arched ; the legs close together, and 
the tail separated from the body ; the eyes are fixed 
and prominent. ; the breathing is short and impeded, 
the nostrils are widely dilated ; the mouth is filled with 
a frothy saliva ; the bladder and intestines do not 
empty themselves. The inflation increases, and gene- 
rally becomes so great in a few hours, that the animal 
at length falls and dies, either from suffocation or 
because the stomach is ruptured. There is no disease 
in domestic animals in which homoeopathy affords such 
prompt relief as in this. In general a single dose of 
colchicum autumnale is sufficient to remove all the 
symptoms in the space of a quarter of an hour ; it is 
rarely necessary to repeat the medicine, which is only 
to be done when the first dose effects an improvement, 
if gases are still forming. In such a case the colchicum 
may be repeated every fifteen or twenty minutes. 



VERTIGO WORMS, 351 

After the tympanitic state has ceased, one dose of 
arsenicum is to be administered to prevent a return 
of the disease. Consult also the article Colic, 

VERTIGO. 

In this affection, which attacks scarcely any but 
young. and well-fed animals, the sheep holds its head 
down, remains behind the flock, stumbles in walking, 
keeps the legs widely apart, and falls to the ground : 
after a space of time, generally very short, it rises ? 
joins the flock again, and no longer presents any 
sign of the fit it has had. The disease returns at 
periods more or less near to each other, without in any 
case the general health appearing to be perceptibly 
affected. Aconitum exerts an almost instantaneous 
efficacy during the attacks. When the disease has be- 
come very severe, and the attacks become more or less 
similar to those of epilepsy, stramonium and cocculus 
are the remedies to be relied on. Vertigo is associated 
also with some other diseases ; it then requires no par- 
ticular treatment, and yields to that of the principal 
disease. 

WORMS. 

The intestinal worms, met in almost all chronic 
diseases, chiefly in young animals, give rise to a num- 
ber of morbid phenomena, among which the following 
are those which serve to develop the presence of these 
pnrasites : a diminution of rumination, disturbance of 
digestion, frequency of tympanitic symptoms, wasting 
away (especially in the lumbar region and along the 
spine,) frequent snorting, obstruction of the nostrils 
with purulent mucus of greater or less thickness. 
Worms are found in the liver and biliary canals, in the 
intestines, and in the bronchi. The intestines of suck- 
ing lambs also are found to contain the tape-worm, 
which give rise to frequent colics. Filix mas is the 
principal remedy in this latter case. Consult the. 
articles Cachexy, Rot, and Dizziness. 



PART IV 



DISEASES OF DOGS. 



SECTION I 

GENERALITIES. 



The dog is one of the most useful, and by far the 
most sagacious of all our domestic animals, being the 
constant companion and friend of man. There are 
many varieties and breeds of these animals, most of 
which are particularly useful in their several capacities. 
It would be difficult to say what, properly speaking, is 
the primitive source of these animals. 

The diseases also to which they are liable are nu- 
merous, and some of them very obstinate to cure. 

Many curious anecdotes are related of those animals, 
showing that they rank higher than any other in the 
scale of intelligence, man" alone excepted. 

With respect to the bringing up of these animals 
it is better in every way to have pure races than races 
which are bastard and mixed, which are in general 
weaker and more subject to disease, in consequence of 
their greater propensity to sexual desire. Hence a 
bitch of good breed, on getting into heat, must be kept 



GENERALITIES. 353 

confined, and it is necessary, if we would propagate 
the species, to look out for a dog of her own breed.* 
It is well known that the heat is indicated in the bitch 
by her seeking for males ; this makes her quit the 
house, even though contrary to her habit ; the genital 
parts swell, and secrete a reddish liquid. Gestation 
lasts nine weeks. During this period it is necessary to 
feed the animal better, and to treat it more kindly than 
at any other time. Bitches of a good breed have in 
general several pups at a time ; they should not all be 
left with them, because they could not thrive, and the 
mother would suffer. Three at the utmost are suf- 
ficient if she be of a small size, and five, if otherwise. 
Moreover, less is left with her, if it be the first birth ; 
the strongest should be selected for keeping. 

After a few weeks there should be placed near the 
young puppies a flat vessel containing warm milk, 
which they are to drink as they please ; but the milk 
should be renewed often that it may not become sour. 
After a time it should be given cold, and when the 
animals have acquired a little strength, there should be 
added some crumbs of bread for the purpose of wean- 
ing them as soon as possible. As soon as they get 
their teeth, bones, meat, &c, are to be presented to 
them. 

The mode of feeding a dog should be regulated 
according to the purpose for which it is brought up ; 
for the lap-dog requires to be brought up differently 
from the mastiff, and the latter differently from the 
sporting dog, or the shepherd's dog. Though the 
canine species are carnivorous, and in the wild state 
live only on flesh, such food is not altogether fit for 
them in the domestic state, when it would occasion a 
variety of diseases. In general it may be laid clown 
as a rule that the dog requires less animal food, the 
less he is exercised in the open air. Besides, every 

* Judicious crossing is by most breeders considered desirable. 
30* 



354 GENERALITIES. 

one knows that he may be accustomed to any sort of 
food. Thus in the North, he lives exclusively on fish, 
and in the South Sea Islands he scarcely eats any 
thing but vegetables. The best diet for him in our 
country is a mixture of vegetable and animal substan- 
ces in the proportion of four to one. Tainted meat 
is less injurious than fat, and more especially spices. 

The quantity of food varies according to the size of 
the dog, the labor he performs, and the season. The 
mastiff requires less than the sporting dog, and both 
should receive less during summer than in winter. 
It is useful to regulate the hours for meals, especially 
when the dog is made to work : two meals a day are 
sufficient. The hound and pointer should receive but 
little food in the morning before working, because 
repletion of stomach makes them idle. The best time 
for eating is in the evening on returning from the 
chase. 

We never should give the dog his food in a hot 
state. The best plan is to give it to him in a wooden 
trough or earthen vessel, which is to be washed every 
time it is used. Nor should we ever give him more 
food than he can take at a time ; it is a very bad habit, 
nay, liable to render the dog unhealthy, to be always 
adding fresh food to that left at the preceding meal. 

As the nature of the animal inclines it to drink 
much, it never should be left without a supply of good 
water, more especially when it is kept shut up, as such 
a thing might predispose him to disease. Drinking 
does not injure it when heated, no more than cold 
bathing, for dogs do not perspire through the skin, but 
by the tongue. 

The kennel ought to be cool in summer, and warm 
in winter. Neither should the animal lie down on 
the damp ground, nor on the pavement, nor should he 
remain exposed for the night to the inclemency 
of the weather. The litter should be dry and clean, 
and the place he sleeps in should be sufficiently spa- 



ABSCESS. 355 

cious to allow him to have shade in summer, and sun 
in winter. It should also be raised a little above the 
ground, and not on a level with it. The bed, hay or 
straw, should be frequently changed, to prevent ver- 
min from collecting. The dog likes cleanliness very 
much, and he is easily accustomed to it. A clay soil 
has been considered the best for building a kennel 
upon. 

Exercise in the open air is absolutely necessary 
for the preservation of health. Yard dogs should be 
set at liberty sometimes, and lap-dogs should be taken 
out to walk from time to time. 

The Vfc^oreal appetite requires great attention ; for its 
too great excitement, and non-gratification are one of 
the chief causes of the development of spontaneous 
rabies. The dog is heated only when he approaches a 
bitch in heat, and for this reason the police regu- 
lations should prevent the bitches, when in heat, from 
straying about ; one alone being sufficient to set in 
motion all the males of a district. The bitch being in 
heat, a male is procured for her, or her passion is cooled 
by supplying her with less nutritious food, procuring 
water for her to drink in sufficient quantity, and ad- 
ministering to her sabina or platina, cantharides, &c. 

ABSCESS. 

Abscesses arise from internal or external causes. 
The former are rare in dogs, which are made constantly 
to work, but very common in house dogs, in which case 
they arise from too great care, or from too high feed- 
ing, or want of exercise. The tumors that form, and 
which may appear on all parts of the body, are more or 
less hard, painful, hot, and inflamed : they terminate in 
resolution or suppuration, sometimes in induration, 
and in the latter case they give rise to subcutaneous 
fungous growth. When they are to form abscesses, 
they become more prominent above the skin, the heat, 



356 BURNS DISTEMPER. 

redness, and pain increase, and in the centre of the 
tumor there appear a soft point, from the surface of 
which the hairs fall. When the abscess owes its origin 
to an internal cause, the amount of food should be 
diminished, the animal should be made to take more 
exercise, and to bathe in cold water. If the tumor 
have a tendency to open, nature's effort may be assisted 
by mercurius vivus, or hepar sulphuris, and it is to be 
opened as soon as fluctuation is well marked. When 
the cause is an external lesion, a blow, a bite, &c, 
lotions are to be employed with arnica water, which 
never fails to remove every symptom in a little time* 

APPETITE (VORACIOUS.) 

The dog laboring under this disease, evinces an 
inordinate appetite, which cannot be satisfied ; how- 
ever, instead of thriving, he pines away ; but in other 
respects he exhibits no symptom of disease. Pulsatilla 
and nux vomica are the means to be employed. Vora- 
cious appetite depends sometimes on the presence of 
worms, in which case china and silicea are found useful. 
See Worms. 

BURNS. 

Greedy dogs sometimes burn themselves by upset» 
ting their food before it is cool. It is necessary to 
remove the hairs from the scalded part, and frequently 
to moisten the latter with the strong tincture of urtica 
wrens. 

DISTEMPER. 

All dogs carry within them the germ of this disease, 
with which some are affected even twice, and which, 
in general, manifests itself either by convulsions or 
weakness, and sinking with more or less diminution of 
appetite. However, it does not always commence in 



DISTEMPER. 357 

the same manner. The first symptom of the disease 
is often violent diarrhoea : in other cases convulsions 
are observed to come on suddenly ; in general there is 
progressive emaciation, and from time to time a little 
cough. The eyes and nose gradually become more 
moist than usual, or else there issues a small quantity 
of watery fluid, which soon thickens, and glues togeth- 
er the eye-lids, or obstructs the nostrils. The pro- 
gress of the disease is as subject to variations as its 
commencement. Sometimes it attacks chiefly the head, 
and is then indicated by frequent sneezings, lachryma- 
tion, a nasal discharge, and other symptoms of severe 
cold. At other times it attacks the chest, and a short 
cough, more or less harassing, precedes lachrymation 
and the nasal flux. In other dogs, again, it directs its 
action to the hind extremities, and is indicated by 
weakness of the hind-quarter, which increases gradu- 
ally, so that the animal cannot drag itself along : this 
kind of paralysis, though very common, does not come 
on until after the other symptoms, and it is hardly 
ever remarked in dogs that have attained a certain 
age. At length it sometimes happens that the entire 
body falls into a spasmodic state, which sometimes 
leaves behind it a state of paralysis, or of convulsions 
in the limbs, sometimes also shortenings of the limbs. 
The disease proceeds rapidly or slowly, and is very 
contagious ; however, its violence varies according to 
the breed, and is more tedious in pure breeds. The 
remedies to be employed are kali carbonicum, and 
then thus toxicodendron : however, we may commence 
with the latter, especially when the convulsions have 
attacked several parts simultaneously. Belladonna and 
cocculus have also been found useful in some cases. 
Nux vomica is useful in case of constipation, which 
exists almost always, accompanied with loss of appe- 
tite and vomiting. The other remedies most useful 
are hepar sulphuris, causticum, dulcamara, spongia, 



358 EPILEPSY. 

phosphorus, iodium, arsenicum, sulphur, &c, under 
their particular indications. 

DROPSY. 

Ascites and hydrothorax are not unusual phenomena 
in the dog, whilst this animal rarely presents instances 
of anasarca. Dropsy of ihe chest is recognized chiefly 
by extreme embarrassment of the breathing, accompa- 
nied frequently with cough ; and ascites by the fluctu- 
ation felt on striking on one side of the abdomen with 
the hand, the other hand resting on the opposite side. 
China and arsenicum are the remedies to be tried in 
treating these two diseases. Also digitalis, according 
to symptoms. 

EPILEPSY. 

The dog affected w T ith epilepsy appears in perfect 
health in the intervals between the fits : he eats well, 
retains his appetite and flesh. The fit generally comes 
on suddenly : the animal staggers, then falls on the 
ground, remains lying down for some time, groans, 
breathes with a rattle in the throat, loses conscious- 
ness, neither hears nor sees, is seized with convul- 
sions in the limbs, and strikes his head. Once the fit 
is over, he gradually recovers consciousness, looks 
around him, and shakes himself. The intervals are 
more or less short. Small pet dogs are more subject 
to this affection, both because their nervous system is 
very irritable, and because they are very much restricted. 
Epilepsy, however, is occasionally seen in large dogs, 
especially when they have undergone much fatigue. 
"When the affection is of long standing, it is with diffi- 
culty cured, which, however, sometimes occurs by 
giving little food to the animal, avoiding to heat it, 
and giving it a sufficient quantity of exercise. The 
cure is more easy when the epilepsy is recent. Aco- 
nitum immediately after the fit, then belladonna, and 



FEVERS. 359 

stramonium if the disease return, such are the reme- 
dies on which most reliance can be placed. If the 
epilepsy have been occasioned by stimulating food, 
which is considered frequently to give rise to it, china 
is to be employed. Some doses of camphor may pre- 
vent the return of the fits. 



FEVER ( INFLAMMATORY. ) 

Inflammatory fever always accompanies an internal 
or external inflammation, whether of a thoracic or ab- 
dominal viscus, or a wound, or external injury. In the 
latter case, it is designated by the name of traumatic 
fever. The principal symptoms are hardness and 
frequency of the pulse, hurried respiration : the animal 
constantly drinks ; his eyes are red, swollen, and full 
of water ; all the body is hotter than usual ; he fre- 
quently stares, and exhibits considerable restlessness. 

He feels some difficulty in lying down, and fre- 
quently changes the position. Aconitum is then al- 
ways indicated : it should be repeated the more fre- 
quently the more intense the fever has been from the 
commencement. However, it is not always sufficient, 
and we are sometimes obliged to have recourse to the 
means required by special information when it exists. 
Aconitum and arnica are the remedies for traumatic 
fever. 

FEVER (PUTRID AND NERVOUS.) 

This disease is characterized by prostration of 
strength ; the beats of the heart are scarcely percepti- 
ble ; there is great thirst, loss of appetite, much dis- 
turbance, heat of head, turbidness of the eyes, barking, 
howling, and groaning, convulsions, fetid odor of Ihe 
perspiration and excrements. The issue is often fatal. 
The principal causes are heat, great efforts, ihe abuse 
of damaged meat, the eating of the flesh of animals 



360 FOUNDERING FRACTURES. 

which have died of a malignant disease. A cool bed 
should be prepared for the animal, good water should 
be given to drink, and a dose of natrum muriaticum 
should be administered, which is to be repeated at 
long intervals, and which is to be followed by some 
doses of china, or arsenicum. 

FOUNDERING. 

This is a disease in which the dog, subjected to cold 
after having been much heated, becomes all at once 
so stiff and rigid, that oftentimes he cannot stir. The 
remedies are aconitum, arnica, and Bryonia, and, when 
the affection has been preceded by great fatigue, rhus 
toxicodendron, 

FRACTURES. 

Simple fractures of the legs are very readily cured 
in young and vigorous dogs : all that is wanting is to 
set the limb, apply splints, and frequently to examine 
the bandage, in order that it may not become deranged, 
without which the limb might be cured, but remain 
awry, or shorter than the others. Comminuted frac- 
tures, or those of several bones at once, generally com- 
promise life to such a degree, that in general it would 
be wrong to devote much care, time, or money on the 
affair. The bandage once applied, it is to be kept 
moistened with symphilum, which is also to be taken 
internally. However, it is better to give arnica on the 
first day to remove the traumatic fever. 

HEMORRHAGE. 

Dogs sometimes discharge blood from the nose, 
mouth, or anus, especially when they have run for a 
long time against the wind, or in going up an emi- 
nence, but chiefly after external violence. The 
occasional cause ought to be taken into account in the 



LAMENESS LUXATIONS ■ RABIES. 361 

treatment. After a long run, a dose of aconitum is 
almost always sufficient ; but after external violence 
we must employ arnica, both externally and internally. 
Lavements with arnica water are useful, when there 
is bleeding from the anus. 

LAMENESS. 

As soon as a dog limps with one paw, the foot 
must be carefully examined, in order to see whether 
the animal may have been wounded. If no wound 
be discovered, the limb should be rubbed from below 
upwards, more especially at the joints, in order to 
find out the part affected. If the lameness depend 
on an external cause, arnica water should be used, 
and if the wound be deep, even though it extend to 
the bone, Symphytum should be administered after the 
foreign bodies have been removed, should any be 
discovered. Lameness is often the consequence of 
imperfect luxation, that is of straining of the ligaments, 
in which case the painful part is always a little better 
than the remainder of the body. In this case also 
benefit is derived from arnica externally, and in many 
cases also from that of rut a internally. Sometimes 
when the lameness has lasted a considerable time, 
the limb begins to waste away ; we may then try 
arnica, china, arsenicum, sulphur, rhus toxicodendron, 
and sepia. 

LUXATIONS. 

Luxations require immediate relief in dogs. The 
part must be kept constantly moistened with arnica 
water, and arnica should also be given internally. 
If the joint of the foot be affected, ruta is the best 
remedy. 

RABIES. 

The phenomena and symptoms of madness vary 

31 



362 RABIES. 

very much in dogs, according to the breed, age, 
temperament, &c. Two principal forms of this 
disease are distinguished, rabies, properly so called, 
and dumb madness. 

Rabies, properly so called, is first announced by a 
perceptible change in the dog's gait of walking, which 
seems either more lively and more irritable,' or sad, 
^nd as it were dull. To this there is added, on almost 
all occasions, a peculiar state of restlessness which 
allows the animal not to remain in any one place, 
and increases to such a degree as to make it quit the 
house to stray away to a distance. During almost 
the entire continuance of the disease, the dog recog- 
nizes his master, and obeys him, more especially at 
the commencement. However, his docility diminishes 
as the disease progresses, though at other times it has 
continued till death. In the generality of cases, the 
appetite disappears from the commencement ; some 
dogs still continue to take a little soup, but none of 
them take any solid food ; however, they devour all 
sorts of non-nutritious things, as wood, leather, wool, 
straw, and even their own foeces. They drink in all 
stages of the disease, evince no sign of hydrophobia, 
and reject the water when they can no longer swal- 
low it. 

A constant symptom is a particular change of voice, 
which becomes more shrill or more grave, but always a 
little hoarse and disagreeable. The barking of a mad 
dog does not consist in distinct emissions of the voice 
succeeding each other with rapidity, but in an emission 
of the voice, followed by a short howl ; it is, as it were 
a sort of medium between a bark and a howl. The 
desire to bite, which exists in most mad dogs, is not 
constant : it shows itself occasionally, and in different 
degrees, which depend on the temperament of the 
animal. Without commencing with barking, the 
animal attacks the objects it meets, cats, other dogs, 
and human beings ; he spares neither inanimate objects, 



RABIES. 363 

nor even his own master/ and he frequently snaps at the 
air as though he would catch flies, his eyes appearing to 
follow au imaginary object. With respect to appear- 
ance, he is at first little or nothing changed ; soon, 
however, the eyes become red, they shut and open 
alternately. At a more advanced period again they 
are turbid, dull, and as it were covered with dust. 
Sometimes the skin folds on the forehead, or else the 
head swells ; there is always rapid emaciation. Mad- 
ness must be very far advanced in order that the dog 
should keep his tail pendent, as he does in all serious 
diseases. He eventually becomes weak, and, as it 
were, paralyzed in the hind quarter ; whilst at the 
commencement, when he is still' strong, he carries the 
tail as usual, and differs in nothing with respect to gait 
from a perfectly healthy dog. The other form of 
madness occasions, with respect to symptoms, loss of 
appetite, drink, voice, and a passion for biting, phe- 
nomena similar to those of madness properly so called, 
but with the following modifications : — the lower jaw 
is pendent, and, as it were, paralyzed from the com- 
mencement of the disease, so that the animal is unable 
to swallow any liquid, and the saliva is continually 
flowing from the mouth. Sometimes, also, the animal 
keeps the tongue hanging between the teeth ; he bites 
less, therefore, than in the preceding variety ; but there 
is no less reason to feel afraid, because when he is 
irritated, he may for a moment recover the power of 
closing the mouth, and consequently of biting. 

There are still certain symptoms falsely attributed 
to madness. Thus it has been said that dogs become 
mad only in summer, more especially during the dog- 
days ; but the disease breaks out at all seasons of the 
year. It has been stated that bitches and dogs that 
have been cut do not. become mad. If the fact be 
problematical with respect to spontaneous madness, 
there certainly is no room for doubt with respect to 
that which is communicated by a bite. Hydrophobia 






364 



RABIES. 



has been set down as a sign of madness ; but expe- 
rience has clearly proved that a mad dog, even in a 
very advanced stage of the disease, has no dread of 
water, which he drinks, and in which he will even 
attempt to swim. At other times he attempts to drink, 
but deglutition is impossible ; the mouth is generally 
covered with saliva. It is false that the mad dog 
always carries his tail between his legs : first, this sign 
does not exist during the commencement of madness ; 
then it is observed in many other diseases, and in gen- 
eral in all dogs pursued or frightened. The mad dog 
always runs, they say, in a straight line ; this, too, is 
an error ; for when the animal is not pursued, he 
changes his direction, like any other dog, and moves 
in the direction of the objects which attract him. It 
is stated that other dogs avoid him ; but it is a positive 
fact that the dogs of a locality attack the mad dog who 
is a stranger to the place where they reside. It is 
stated also that a healthy dog has a repugnance to the 
saliva of a mad dog; but experience has found that 
when hungry he eats greedily the meat impregnated 
with this saliva. 

With respect to the cause, madness may be spon- 
taneous or communicated. The former is attributable 
to want of care, to a deficiency of good water, more 
especially in hot weather, to the influence of intense 
heat and intense cold, and to an impossibility to satisfy 
the venereal appetite. The other is developed only by 
inoculation with the saliva after a bite. In the latter 
case it seldom breaks out before the ninth day, and it 
may come on much later. 

None of the means proposed as capable of prevent- 
ing the development of madness is efficacious. It is 
the height of folly to excise the cartilaginous ligament 
situated under the tongue, we only mutilate the ani- 
mal, and render him almost incapable of drinking. 
The dog should be made to take every day a dose of 
belladonna, and if he have been bitten, the wound 



RHEUMATISM VARIOLA. 365 

should be sprinkled frequently with water containing 
some drops of belladonna. Hydrophobium, as recom- 
mended by Hering, may be used internally. When 
the animal is rabid, the' best thing to be done is to kill 
him to prevent serious consequences. 

RHEUMATISM. 

This affection, which chiefly attacks sporting dogs 
and house dogs, is manifested by the way in which 
the animal limps with one paw, which he trails along, 
or holds raised up as he walks along, uttering com- 
plaints and bowlings, when he lays it down on the 
ground. On carefully examining the limb, no injury 
is discovered on it: but the joints are, generally speak- 
ing, a little swollen and hot, and sometimes also there 
is a residue of swelling after the fit is over. Exposure 
to cold is the most common cause of this disease. 
The animal must be kept warm, kept secured from 
the inclemency of the weather, and all animal food 
must be withdrawn. Bryonia and dulcamara are the 
most effectual internal remedies ; if the disease is in- 
veterate, they should be alternated with nux vomica, 
rhus, sulphur, calcarea, carbonica, &c. 

VARIOLA. 

This disease, which is common chiefly among young 
dogs, is cutaneous. The affected animal evinces 
great uneasiness, the breathing is perceptibly interfered 
with ; then generally on the third or fourth day small 
spots are observed on the belly similar to flea-bites, 
which, projecting above the skin, gradually increase in 
height, become pale at the centre and retain a red 
areola. By degrees they fill with a yellowish pus, 
then flatten and form a pustule, which dries after a 
lapse of time of greater or less length. The nose, at 
first dry and hot, becomes cool and moist, and the 
appetite' returns. When the disease follows this 
31* 



366 VOMITING — WARTS 



WOUNDS, 



simple cause, art should not interfere ; but if the spots 
have a deeper tint, if they do not rise above the skin, 
if they run together, the disease is no longer a mild 
one, and very often it proves fatal. The animal has 
its nose hot, breathes with difficulty and puts out the 
tongue ; it seeks for heat, does not eat, but drinks 
much, and in general it is affected with retention of 
urine and with constipation. If the dog is not val- 
uable, the best thing is to kill it before it infects the 
others ; for it is almost always lost. Should the dog 
be old, toxicodendron and arsenicum are to be given 
alternately ; after which dulcamara and causticum 
may be tried. 

VOMITING. 

Nothing in more common than spontaneous vomit- 
ing in dogs ; it occurs whenever the animal eats too 
much, and it does not interfere with the health, so 
that we need not be uneasy about it. Should it, how- 
ever, last for too long a time, cocculus should be ad- 
ministered : the simultaneous existence of diarrhoea 
would require veralrum, and if the cure was not soon 
effected, cuprum. 

WARTS. 

These are not common in dogs. The best mode 
of destroying them is by ligature. If they be jagged 
and rough, oozing, and bleeding, they should be mois- 
tened with the strong tincture of thuja ; nitri acidum 
and arsenicum are also useful. 

WOUNDS. 

Slight wounds cure of themselves, more especially 
when the dog's tongue can reach to lick it. When 
they are considerable, they should be treated exter- 
nally with arnica water, and if necessary two or three 
doses of arnica should be given internally. 



ANGINA APHTHA. 367 



SECTION II. 

EXTERNAL DISEASES AND THOSE AFFECTING THE MOUTH 
AND THROAT. 



ANGINA, 



This is a very dangerous disease in the dog, as in- 
deed it is in all animals, and is generally owing to the 
dog's being exposed to cold after having been heated. 
It commences with a sense of cold in the ears and 
muzzle, which soon after become burning hot, accelera- 
tion in the beats of the heart, and difficulty of swallow- 
ing, which may proceed to such an extent that the 
drinks make their escape out by the nose. The ante- 
rior part of the neck, more especially on the laryngeal 
region, is swollen, and there is also swelling of the 
glands situate beneath the jaw and on the neck. 
When the tumor is considerable, and the breathing 
much embarrassed, the animal often dies from suffo- 
cation. Five or six doses of aconitum are to be given 
at the interval of half an hour ; then we are to wait 
for three or four hours. Sometimes the disease is 
completely removed ; but frequently also, though the 
inflammatory symptoms and the fever decline, the 
difficulty of deglutition and breathing continues. In 
this case one or two doses of belladonna or of spongia 
marina, are to be taken, and if these means do not 
effect a complete cure, we should have recourse to 
hepar sulphur is. 

APHTHA. 

Ulcers occasionally occur in the throat of the dog 
which resemble aphtha?, prevent the animal from swal- 
lowing, and cause it more or less pain. Two doses 
of aconitum, and after six or eight hours, one or two 
doses of mercurius vivus, are in general sufficient to 



368 CORYZA DISEASES OF THE EARS. 

cure this disease perfectly. If there be, at the same 
time, external tumefaction of the neck, some doses of 
belladonna cause it to disappear. 

CORYZA. 

Coryza is often observed in lap-dogs after exposure 
to cold. Usually it is accompanied with cough and 
a discharge of mucus from the nose. The animal 
becomes inert, and loses appetite. Nux vomica is the 
remedy. 

EARS (DISEASES OF THE.) 

Two diseases of the ears are rather frequent in dogs 
— deafness, and otitis. 

Deafness is often occasioned by hardened cerumen. 
The hairs must then be cut, the wax be softened with 
warm soap and water, and then be removed with a 
small scoop. If the dog is old, the deafness depends 
on different causes hard to be discovered, which cir- 
cumstances almost always renders it incurable. Bel- 
ladonna, however, may be tried internally. 

Otitis is attributable sometimes to insects which 
have made their way into the ear, sometimes to rheu- 
matism. The dog complains and howls, scratches the 
ear with the hind-paw, becomes restless and unquiet, 
and calls for the aid of his master. The ear should 
be examined by the sun's light, and if insects should 
be discovered therein, an attempt should be made to 
extract them, or to kill them by means of oil. If 
none be perceived, the disease depends on some other 
cause ; the animal must be kept more warm than 
usual, and dulcamara, nux vomica, or belladonna, 
should be administered. Benefit has been derived, 
sometimes, from injecting warm-water containing two 
drops of opium. * 

Dogs for the chase are sometimes affected in the 
ears with corroding ulcers, which ultimately destroy 



OESOPHAGUS -— INJURIES OF THE FEET. 369 

the cartilage. These ulcers are occasioned sometimes 
by an external, sometimes by an internal lesion, fre- 
quently also by excess of food and rest, sometimes 
by the weakness accompanying old age. Carbo veg-e- 
tabilis has been recommended. I have employed with 
success a few doses of arse?iicum, followed by sulphur. 
Recent experiments would seem to establish the effi- 
cacy of aranea diadema in such cases. 

CESOPHAGUS (FOREIGN BODIES IN THE.) 

The following symptoms show that a bone, a carti- 
lage, &c, have stopped in the oesophagus of a dog ; 
immediately after having eaten, the animal commences 
to cough, becomes restless, moans, appears to seek 
relief, and cannot swallow; the eyes become red and 
prominent ; a great quantity of mucus escapes from 
the mouth and nose. A little oil should be introduced 
into the throat, and the mouth and nose should be 
slopped until the animal coughs, or el-e the mouth is 
to be opened as much as possible, and warm water is 
to be poured into it, until the dog vomits. If these 
means do not suffice, an effort should be made to push 
the foreign body into the stomach, by means of a 
piece of whalebone or of a willow-stick, armed with a 
sponge steeped in oil, or to extract it with the forceps ; 
if these means fail we must make an incision into the 
oesophagus. When the oesophagus has been injured, 
a spoonful of water containing from two to three drops 
of arnica water should be taken twice a day, and for 
some days nothing but milk or soup be given for nour- 
ishment. 

FEET (INJURIES OF THE.) 

When dogs have got a nail, thorn, piece of glass, 
&c, into the foot, which makes them lame, the foreign 
body must be removed at once, the wound being laid 
open, if it be necessary, and there must be employed 



370 SORE FEET BOILS LIPPITUDE. 

externally arnica water, which effects a cure in a short 

time. 

SORE FEET. 

Dogs, those more especially employed for the chace, 
which are much fatigued, which walk aud run on a 
hard, stony soil, or on congealed snow, or on roads, 
are liable to have ihe paws swollen, painful, excoriated, 
and bleeding. When the affection is not severe, it 
becomes cured of itself by the care with which the 
animal constantly licks it, a process which brings 
about the resolution of the inflammation and swelling. 
In the contrary case, the affected foot is to be washed 
with arnica water ; and if necessary, one or two doses 
of arnica should be given internally. 

FURUNCLES OR BOILS. 

The dog is, at times, subject to boils which appear 
on all parts of the^ body under the form of round, 
hard, red, and very painful tumors, the centre of which 
is raised, and which commonly suppurate. They are 
opened by an incision, when the centre is softened ; 
the pus is pressed out, and the return of the disease is 
prevented by administering nux vomica and hepar sul- 
pilaris for some days internally. 

LIPPITUDE. 

This affection is common in the dog. It is met as 
a symptom of an internal disease, or from too juicy a 
food, more especially animal food, or in consequence 
of want of exercise and continually stopping in* the 
house. In the first of these three cases, it is necessary 
to investigate the disease, and to meet it by proper 
means. In the third, the animal must be exercised 
every day, and his eyes must be washed with cold 
water. In the second, abstinence and a less succulent 
diet are the means to be employed. Internally, Pulsa- 
tilla should be recommended, as also ledum and nux 



SPONGE MANGE OPHTHALMIA. 371 

vomica, the last particularly when the eye is at the 
same time very sensitive to light. Sulphur produces 
good effects also under most circumstances. In gene- 
ral lippitude is the consequence of another disease of 
the eye, chiefly ophthalmia ; it must then be attacked 
with cannabis, conium, euphrasia and causlicum. 

SPONGE. 

This is a sub-cutaneous, rounded or oblong tumor, 
of moderate hardness, not painful, sometimes mova- 
ble and sometimes adherent to the neighboring parts. 
It becomes developed in all regions of the body, occa- 
sionally attains considerable size, and is attributable in 
general to external violence, to contusions, bites, blows, 
<fce. At the commencement, arnica should be em- 
ployed, both internally and externally ; afterwards 
causticum is to be used. I have employed dulcamara 
with success in a case where it came on after exposure 
to cold. 

MANGE. 

There are distinguished in the dog the common or 
dry mange, and the moist. The first, which is seated 
chiefly in the back, is accompanied with violent itch- 
ing : the skin is red, covered with scales, excoriations, 
and secretes a reddish fluid, which corrodes the roots 
of the hair. The second comes on after swelling and 
redness of the skin, with secretion of thick, puriform 
matter, and the formation of ulcers and thick scabs. 
Mezereum is chiefly recommended, as also staphysa- 
gria, sulphur, and lycopodium. In some cases, sulphur 
has produced good results. I have employed scabiesi- 
num without success ; helleborus niger, hepar sulphuris, 
and nitri acidum are also useful. 

OPHTHALMIA. 

The eye is red, swollen, and full of water ; the animal 
does not open it at all, or only half opens it. If the 



372 OZENA 



PTERYGION. 



lids be separated violently, the organ is found more or 
less red and turbid. Ophthalmia is acute, or chronic. 
The former is attended with more severe symptoms, 
and often occasions loss of vision, especially when it is 
left to itself, or badly treated. In the second it is in 
general less the eye than the lids, and chiefly their 
edges, which suffer. The causes are external or in- 
ternal. Among the external causes may be classed 
heat, dust, blows, injuries, bites ; among the others 
too succulent a food, plethora, obesity, want of exer- 
cise, &c. Ophthalmia attacks young or aged dogs in 
preference. If the animal have been too. well fed and 
too little exercised, it is to be put on strict diet, or, at 
least, no meat is to be allowed ; it should be made to 
walk out, and it is to be placed in a cool place. In 
the case of chronic ophthalmia we should administer 
internally first a few doses of aconitum, and then 
euphrasia. If the last-named remedy suffice not, 
conium should be employed, and should this fail, can-, 
nobis. Chronic ophthalmia requires above all sulphur, 
independently of a good regimen. When the disease 
results from external violence, arnica should be em- 
ployed, both internally and externally. 

OZENA. 

Ulcerations of the nose are not as common in dogs 
as in other domestic animals ; but they should not be 
neglected, because they might injure the sense of smell 
or even destroy it. Mercurius vivus and arsenicum are 
the best remedies to be employed. Arnica should 
be used externally and internally, when the ulcer has 
been caused by an external lesion. 

PTERYGION. 

Dogs, both young and old, are frequently attacked 
with this disease. In young dogs the mother often 
cures it by licking the eye of her little one : but in ani- 



COLIC CONSTIPATION COUGH. 373 

mals advanced in age it proves obstinate, notwithstand- 
ing the most tried remedies. The remedies employed 
are cannabis, conium, causticum, euphrasia and sulphur. 
Pterygion in general succeeds ophthalmia, and thus 
requires the treatment which suits the latter. When it 
depends on another disease, which is not uncommon, 
belladonna and sulphur are employed. 



SECTION III. 

INTERNAL DISEASES. 



COLIC. 

The dog when affected with colic, groans and cries, 
he extends himself, and draws himself in, turns his 
head towards the side and belly, throws himself down, 
and rolls along the ground. In general he is consti- 
pated ; sometimes, however, colic is accompanied with 
diarrhoea. It most frequently depends on cold, or on 
excessive food. In the former case it yields to aconi- 
tum, in the latter to arsenicum, preceded by one or 
two doses of aconitum. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation is more common than diarrhoea in 
dogs, and may be recognized by frequent and unavail- 
ing efforts to void the foeces, accompanied with groan- 
ing and trembling. From two to three doses of nux 
vomica, or (if indicated) opium are to be given. 

COUGH. 

Well-fed dogs are frequently affected with a dry 
and penetrating cough, and in many cases, if they 
32 



374 PROFUSE URINE — - DIARRHCEA GASTRITIS. 

are advanced in years, the disease degenerates into 
asthma. As the cause seems to be obesity, or at 
least, very often, the amount of nourishment must be 
diminished, and exercise should be taken. Internally 
anlimonium crudum should be given : if some improve- 
ment does not soon take place, and the cough seems 
to come from the chest, we must have recourse to 
nilrum. 

PROFUSE DISCHARGE OF URINE. 

This disease, the cause of which is various, and 
which is sometimes owing to the too frequent repeti- 
tion of the venereal act, is characterized by the invol- 
untary discharge of urine, which is constantly passing 
off in drops, without the animal putting itself in the 
ordinary posture for discharging it. Belladonna, fer- 
rum, Pulsatilla, and creosotum are the means of cure. 

DIARRHCEA. 

If the fceces voided by the dog be much softer and 
more frequent than usual, and often mixed with blood 
— in many cases their discharge is attended with pain, 
which occasions groans and cries — if, as often occurs, 
the diarrhoea arise from the animal having taken too 
much food, from having taken much fat, sour milk, 
fruit, &c, we should have recourse to arsenicum ; 
whilst chamomilla should be employed if it arise from 
cold. A slight diarrhoea, which is often salutary, re- 
quires nothing else but to procure a warm bed for the 
animal. 

GASTRITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE 

STOMACH. ) 

A frequent consequence of colds, indigestion, and of 
the ingestion of unwholesome substances, more espe- 
cially poisons. Gastritis is characterized by the symp- 
toms of inflammatory fever, and also by very acute 



METEORISMUS PNEUMONIA — ^ SPASMS. 375 

pains, which are increased by external pressure : the 
abdomen is tympanitic and hard : the animal vomits, 
and is constipated. Aconilum and arsenicum are em- 
ployed alternately, the latter, when there is diarrhoea ; 
nux vomica in the case of constipation ; Pulsatilla when 
the animal has eaten fatty bodies to excess. 

METEORISMUS. 

This affection attacks greedy dogs, and such as have 
not very strong digestive powers. If, at the same time, 
the food is not of good quality, the animal becomes 
sometimes like a drum. In order to cure the animal, 
it will often suffice to oblige it to lake a long walk. If 
this fail, we have recourse to colchicum autumnale, fol- 
lowed by one or two doses of arsenicum. When con- 
stipation remains behind, nux vomica should be given. 
If arsenicum. do not restore the appetite completely, 
antlmonium crudum should be administered. 

PNEUMONIA. 

This affection is sometimes the effect of cold, to 
which the animal has been exposed after having been 
heated. The symptoms are those of inflammatory 
fever, viz., cold, heat, pulse hard and frequent, break- 
ing hurried, beating of the flanks, great thirst, heat of 
skin, as also in the ears and head, redness and watery 
state of the eyes, &c. ; the animal coughs, looks at his 
chest frequently and with distress, feels some difficulty 
in lying down, and often changes its position. Two 
or three doses of aconilum, followed by phosphorus, 
generally effect the cure. The other remedies that 
will be found most useful are : arsenicum, bryonia, 
digitalis, tartarus emelicus, tinctura sidphuris, &c. 

SPASMS. 

Dogs are frequently attacked with convulsions in 
the limbs, generally after some disease ; anacardium, 



376 URINE UTERUS VERTIGO. 

platina, and spigelia are then to be employed. Fre- 
quently also they are seized on a sudden with cramps, 
either whilst walking or running, they then utter loud 
complaints, howl, and raise their paws. The cramp 
soon yields to frictions with the hand, or with a por- 
tion of cloth. The return of the attack is to be pre- 
vented by cocculus and ipecacuanha. 

URINE (RETENTION OF.) 

Though it may be the nature of the dog to void his 
urine more frequently than any other animal, it some- 
times happens that he is unable to do so, at least, 
without pain ; this occurs principally in the case of 
nephritis, or after a blow received on the lumbar 
region. Two or three doses of aconitum, which are 
to be followed by cantharides, cure him in a very 
short time. If the lumbar region has been injured, 
we must have recourse to arnica. 

FALLING OF THE UTERUS. 

This accident is seldom observed in bitches after 
parturition. The organ should be cleansed with 
warm water, and after the fingers have been oiled, it 
is to be replaced gradually. As the accident is almost 
always owing to difficult parturition, and the uterus 
itself may have been wounded, it becomes necessary 
to have recourse to injections of arnica water, and to 
administer some doses of arnica, preceded by aconi- 
tum, if there exist inflammation and fever. 

VERTIGO. 

Dogs, when too well fed and plethoric are some- 
times affected with dizziness ; they stagger as they 
walk along, or even fall to the ground, usually 
remain lying down, and eat nothing; the mouth is 
hot, eyes fixed, projecting and bright. They are 
cured by a few doses of aconitum, which should be 



worms. 377 

followed by belladonna; at the same time attention 
should be paid to their diet and exercise. 

WORMS. 

No domestic animal is as much tormented as the 
dog by worms, the ascarides, lumbrici, and tsena. 
The means to be employed are the same as in the 
case of the other animals ; the medicines that are 
most useful in vermiculous affections are : china, mer- 
curius, sulphur, calcarea, chincona,ferrum,filix ignatia, 
sabadilla, silida, spigelia. 



32* 



PART V 



DISEASES OF SWINE 



SECTION I. 



GENERALITIES. 



The robust constitution of the pig causes it to be 
less liable to fall sick than oxen and sheep ; it would 
be still less liable to disease, if persons manifested more 
judgment in the choice of the animals to be reared, 
and if more care were shown in the matter. With 
reference to the latter point, it is very true that the 
voracity of the pig urges it to eat everything it meets ; 
but to keep it in a state of health, it is, notwithstanding, 
necessary to restrict its regimen to certain rules. The 
animal which it is proposed to fatten should remain 
under the roof, and receive good food there, whilst 
the others may be sent out for the greater part of the 
year, care being taken to avoid fields that are damp 
and marshy, and that the pigs be preserved from the 
dew. Neither should pigs be allowed to go out in 
wet seasons, nor when it is very hot. It is also of 
importance that they should not be driven too hard 
during warm days, a season when cool and shady 
places ought to be sought for. It is useful also to 



ANOREXIA. 379 

give them food before sending them out, and on their 
return. These animals require to bathe and drink 
frequently, particularly when the season is hot ; it is 
well known that turbid and marshy water does not 
injure them; but waler containing soap in solution 
disposes sows to abortion. 

There are two other points which deserve to be 
taken into consideration if we wish swine to thrive ; 
this is daily exercise in the open air whenever the 
weather, permits, and cleanliness of the sty. Con- 
stant confinement throws them into what may be 
called a morbid state, which renders their flesh less 
wholesome for man ; and the manner in which the 
animal evinces its joy when set at liberty, proves 
sufficiently how disagreeable confinement is to it. 
"With respect to dwelling, a very general prejudice 
prevails, viz., that dung and filth do not injure swine ; 
this opinion, however, is absurd. The roof should be 
from six to eight feet high, and the floor should be 
slanting, so that the urine may readily flow off; the 
dung must be constantly removed, the jitter renewed, 
and the floor washed. 

With respect to the treatment of the diseases of the 
pig, difficulties present themselves, because there are 
but very few of these diseases which produce symptoms 
sufficiently marked to enable a person readily to appre- 
ciate them, unless he possess great experience. 

ANOREXIA. 

When this symptom does not depend on any other 
disease, it is generally attributable to the animals 
having eaten too much. Antimonium crudum and arse- 
nicum are the means to be employed. Nux vomica is 
the proper medicine, when there is at the same time 
constipation, or when the fcecal matters are hard and 
difficult of expulsion. 



380 



ANGINA. 



ANGINA. 



This disease, as dangerous as it is common, gener- 
ally comes on suddenly. Its principal causes are a 
sudden change of season, the want of waler for drink- 
ing in times of great heat, water too cold for drinking, 
especially that which comes from melted snow, the 
being sent too early into ihe fields in spring and au- 
tumn, before the dew is dissipated, he. It is in gen- 
eral the fattest pigs that are first attacked. The ani- 
mal suddenly appears to be dejected and restless, it 
totters, hangs down the head, frequently shakes it, 
kicks with the hind feet, and trembles over its entire 
body. The breathing is loud, wheezing, and difficult ; 
the animal takes in the air by the mouth, and holds 
the tongue hanging out of the mouth. There is great 
heat, especially in the mouth. The eyes are red, the 
tongue a litlle swollen, deglutition is performed with 
difficulty, and sometimes vomiting is observed to take 
place. Whilst these symptoms are becoming devel- 
oped, there is observed to come on the larynx a hard, 
tense, and hot swelling, which makes rapid progress, 
and extends along the neck as far as the chest, even to 
the abdomen. This swelling, which is at first red or 
of a reddish-brown color, assumes a leaden or even 
a bluish tint on the approach of death, as in St. An- 
thony's fire, to which the symptoms of angina bear 
some analogy, which frequently causes the two diseases 
to be confounded. The interior of the mouth and 
nose also appears to be very red ; the animal protrudes 
the head directly forwards ; the voice becomes more 
and more hoarse, the cough more and more distressing, 
deglutition more and more difficult, the tongue is 
brown, and death occurs, either by suffocation or by 
gangrene. The disease, which generally attacks a 
great number of pigs at a time, terminates, for the 
most part, in death, in the space of from twenty-four 



EMACIATION EPILEPSY. 



381 



to thirty-six hours ; and it is seldom prolonged till 
beyond the second day. The treatment is very simple. 
A dose of aconUum every quarter of an hour ; and 
after an hour and a half, or two hours, belladonna gen- 
erally cures the disease, whilst it is still in its first 
stage. If the cure is not complete after two or three 
hours, a dose of spongia marina should be given every 
hour. When there still remain, about three hours 
after, some symptoms, hepar sulphuris is to be pre- 
scribed ; but aconitum is always sufficient of itself, if 
it be taken in time. Antimonium tartarlcum has been 
also recommended, and also capsicum, and arsenicum 
album. 

EMACIATION. 

The wasting away of swine is, in most cases, the 
consequence of the bad state of digestion, which, in 
general, is announced by greater or less diminution of 
the appetite. One or two doses of arsenicum will 
almost suffice to restore perfect health. If there still 
remain a repugnance to food, antimonium crudcm 
should be administered. When emaciation is accom- 
panied by difficulty of breathing and by cough, it 
should be considered as an accessory symptom of the 
cachexy which follows a badly treated pneumonia, 
and for which we possess a specific in nitrum. 

EPILEPSY. 

Epilepsy, which is only observed in young swine, 
seems owing to the use of certain mischievous sub- 
stances, as for instance, pepper, which many persons 
regard as a poison for those animals. The pig thus 
affected suddenly falls on the ground, becomes con- 
vulsed, and throws itself to the right and left; it 
grinds its teeth, turns its eyes, raises and lets fall its 
head ; drivels from the mouth, breathes sometimes 
quick, sometimes slowly, and frequently bites its 



382 FOUNDERING FRACTURES LUXATIONS. 

tongue. Belladonna and china have frequently pro- 
duced good results. 

FEVER. 

It sometimes happens, as a consequence of cold, 
and probably also from other causes, that from the first 
to the third day after having farrowed, the sow is 
seized with high fever, with considerable heat and 
great thirst ; the bristles stare, the eyes are dull and 
bleary, the breathing becomes short and difficult, the 
mouth and tongue are burning hot ; there is no ap- 
petite whatever ; sometimes spasms are observed, 
during which the animal rolls the eyes, foams at the 
mouth, and grinds the teeth. Aconitum, and after it, 
Pulsatilla and belladonna are the remedies to which 
recourse should be had. 

FOUNDERING. 

The ordinary causes of this disease are the influence 
of cold or violent exercise ; but sometimes it is owing 
to excess of food. It is recognized by muscular 
rigidity so great that the animal can scarcely drag 
itself along. The back too is rigid, and the mouth 
opens with difficulty. The animal has little appetite, 
and does not leave its sty willingly. A few doses of 
aconitnm, and then bryonia, are the principal remedies. 
Benefit has been derived also from belladonna, charno- 
milla, dulcamara, and opium. Nux vomica has pro- 
duced very excellent effects in certain cases. 

FRACTURES. 

After reduction, two or three doses of arnica are to 
be given, then Symphytum in repeated doses, and ihe 
bandage is to be frequently sprinkled with arnica 
water. Fifteen days at most suffice for the cure. 

LUXATIONS. 

Luxations of the joints of the feet are ralher frequent 
in swine, which, after the feet have become fastened in 



MADNESS MEASLES. 383 

some chink, make violent effort to disengage them. 
When the accident is recent, it is to be treated with 
aconitum, internally and externally. If it is serious, 
and the pain be severe from the commencement, we 
should administer rhus toxicodendron and ruta, which 
is useful against most species of luxations, those espe- 
cially of the lower part of the foot. 

MADNESS. 

In swine, madness breaks out generally in from 
three to five weeks after a bite by a mad dog. It gen- 
erally commences by loss of appetite, weight, distress, 
convulsions, redness of the eyes, and a peculiar tone 
of grunting, which is hoarse. Then there comes on a 
species of frenzy, during which the animal runs about 
mad in every direction, makes great leaps, and bites 
everything it meets. At the end of from five to 
seven days, the breathing becomes embarrassed; there 
is paralysis of the hind quarters, and death takes place 
in the midst of convulsions. It is stated that hydropho- 
bia has never been observed. With respect to treat- 
ment which should be a little more difficult than in 
any other domestic animals, consult the article Mad- 
ness, among the diseases of sheep. 

MEASLES. 

This disease is very common, and has for its principal 
character, red spots, which appear on different parts of 
the body, more especially in the eyes, ears, and belly, 
and which are followed by a furfuraceous desquama- 
tion of the skin. Before the eruption of the disease, 
the animal is feverish, loses appetite ; its eyes are red 
and bleary. Sometimes there is vomiting. Aconitum 
and Pulsatilla are the remedies ; Pulsatilla may also be 
employed as a preventative against the infection. If 
the disease were not well marked, or went in, the best 
thing to be done is to have recourse to hryonia and 



384 



ROT TUMORS. 



rhus toxicodendron, Nux vomica and bryonia are use- 
ful against the cough, which the disease sometimes 
leaves after it. Sepia and sulphur also deserve atten- 
tion. 

ROT. 

This is much more malignant in pigs than in sheep. 
It scarcely attacks any but the young, and it is very 
seldom that an old pig is affected with it. It appears 
but once during life. After the animal has passed 
some days in a state of depression and unwillingness 
to move about, the head hanging down, the ears thrown 
back, its bristles stare, and there are seen on different 
points of the skin, chiefly on the head, ears, on the 
fore-part of the body, in the inner surface of the thighs, 
and on the belly, small red spots, which soon increase 
in size, and rise into a pustule full of serum ; this pus- 
tule dries, and gradually falls, leaving behind it a small 
cicatrix, at the end of four or five days. This affec- 
tion is particularly dangerous, when it attacks the eyes, 
which become inflamed. When on the inner surface 
of the thighs, it causes the animal to limp. Arseni- 
cum is the specific for it. When it does not clean the 
skin perfectly, recourse must be had to dulcamara. 

TUMORS. 

Blows, injuries, falls, bites, &c, occasionally give 
rise to tumors of greater or less size, which are very 
apt to suppurate, when they are not attended to in 
proper time. This effect is prevented by arnica, which 
must be given internally also if the lesion is consider- 
able. Among the tumors which occur spontaneously, 
may be distinguished swelling of the head, which 
oftentines occasion death, and the remedy for which 
is belladonna. 



WOUNDS DISEASES OF THE EARS, 385 



WOUNDS. 

Simple wounds, those involving only the skin and 
subjacent parts, are never of any consequence in swine. 
They are treated externally with arnica, and covered 
over with pitch-plaster to prevent insects from depo- 
siting their ova in them. Deeper wounds never heal 
without suppuration ; they then call for the treatment 
indicated under the article Suppuration, in the diseases 
of horses. When the bone is injured at the same 
time, Symphytum is a specific. 



SECTION II 



EXTERNAL DISEASE, WITH THOSE AFFECTING THE MOUTH 
AND THROAT. 



EARS (DISEASES OF THE.) 

Swine, with large pendent ears, have these organs 
in summer frequently affected with chops or clefts, in 
which insects deposit their eggs, which then give rise 
to larvae. The latter cause intense itching to the ani- 
mal, which often shakes its head to relieve itself, and 
scratches its ears with its hind feet. When these larvae 
are discovered, they are to be removed by means of 
a pledget of tow, the ear is to be washed with warm 
water, and then moistened several times with arnica. 
If worms have made their way into the concha, they 
may be killed with warm oil. Swine are often affected 
in the ears in consequence of contusions, forming san- 
guineous tumors, which are to be opened ; after which 
the wound should be rubbed over with arnica water 
by means of a feather. 
33 



386 SORENESS OF FEET 



SORENESS OF FEET. 

An inflammatory affection of the feet, of the fore- 
feet particularly, which occurs when pigs walk for a 
long time on a hard, flinty road. It. is not uncommon, 
and often acquires such a degree of violence, that the 
animal seems completely rigid, and cannot move its 
limbs. The remedies for this affection are rhus toxi- 
codendron internally, and arnica externally. If the pain 
be felt chiefly at the sole, arsenicum is found efficacious 
in all cases without exception. Sometimes the inflam- 
mation remains confined to the fleshy parts of the foot ; 
the horn is then hot and very sensitive to the touch, 
the coronet swollen, and walking painful ; if the cause 
continue to act, the horn becomes detached, and the 
animal, no longer able to rise, often dies. Whilst the 
disease is recent, arnica will suffice, if given internally 
and externally, to put an end to it. If it progress we 
must have recourse to arsenicum and acidum sulphuri- 
cum. Conium is also good. 

FIRE (SAINT ANTHONY'S.) 

This disease, similar to rot or typhus, is very com- 
mon in pigs, which, according to extensive observa- 
tion, are chiefly attacked in localities where horned 
cattle are less generally affected. It is extremely fatal. 
It often goes on with such rapidity, that the animal 
falls dead without having exhibited any symptom of the 
disease, and is found dead in its sty, where the evening 
before it was left in perfect health, and eating with its 
usual appetite. More usually it is preceded by symp- 
toms which generally last from twelve to twenty-four 
hours, seldom two or three days. The pig suddenly 
craves to eat ; it becomes restless, and rakes up on 
every side ; there appear on the neck, chest, and belly, 
red streaks, which gradually become blue, though in 
many cases only after death. Generally, there is ob- 



st. anthony's fire. 387 

served to be great heat in the head and difficulty of 
respiration ; there also appears on the neck an inflam- 
matory swelling, which occasionally extends to the 
head, chest, and belly, and which never passes to sup- 
puration. Sometimes there comes on the tongue a 
round, white vesicle, about the size of a pea, which 
soon becomes black, and eventually proves fatal. Be- 
fore this vesicle comes on, the animal appears deject- 
ed ; it holds the head hanging down, continues to lie 
down, grinds the teeth, and remains stretched almost 
without, feeling. In certain cases also there comes on 
the exterior of the neck a small glandular tumor, on 
which the bristles stare and assume a white color. 

In cases where the disease does not prove fatal 
rapidly, or where it lasts to the third day, there is ob- 
served in these animals great weakness of the muscu- 
lar system. The tail, instead of being rolled up, hangs 
at its entire length ; the bristles stare, the temperature 
of the body varies frequently. There is constipation, 
or the excrements are dry and curled. No appetite 
or thirst. There is considerable heat diffused over the 
entire body ; the animal remains constantly lying down, 
or, when walking, staggers. It often vomits what it 
has eaten, and sometimes yellow lumps also. It rum- 
mages, as it were, impatiently in its litter, and fre- 
quently throws it up to the roof. The skin swells, 
and there appears an eruption, w 7 hich, being at first 
reddish, soon becomes black. The breathing is short 
and loud. Small gangrenous ulcers are often seen in 
the mouth, and convulsions close the scene. 

St. Anthony's fire bears much resemfrance to angi- 
na, which follows a no less rapid course. The two 
diseases are often confounded. The remedy is arse- 
nicitm, of which from eight to twelve doses should be 
administered, one every ten minutes, or every quarter 
of an hour. Out of one hundred and fifty pigs treated 
by me last summer, only two died of it. I succeeded 
in saving some which were considered to be, as it were. 



388 soie. 

dead. Arsenicum also acts as a preservative, and I have 
almost invariably found very great benefit from it. In 
every instance where I treated diseased pigs, I make 
such as have been spared take this medicine once a 
day, for eight days, and not one of them have ever 
been affected with it. 

SOIE, DISEASE OF THE BRISTLES. 

This disease, which is contagious, is in general an- 
nounced by great restlessness ; the animal does nothing 
but grunt, and rub itself all over ; its bristles fall in 
several places, where the skin allows a sanguineous 
fluid to ooze out. On examining more attentively, the 
skin is found to be bloated, and to present echymoses, 
as also to exhibit reddish, blue, and brown spots. 
The bristles which adhere are very readily torn off; 
their roots are swollen, of a deep red color, and bleed- 
ing. The animal is sad and listless ; it loses appetite, 
limps in the hind quarters, drags the hind-legs after it, 
and at length is no longer able to stand up. It has 
violent fever with great thirst ; pustules appear on the 
tongue ; diarrhoea eventually terminates in death if 
timely relief is not afforded. The disease, frequently 
accompanied with St. Anthony's fire, is occasioned 
chiefly by want of exercise, tainted state of the air and 
want of cleanliness. The first object is to change the 
diet, to take the animal into the open air every day, 
and to bathe it. Internally, we should administer 
aconitum, arsenicum, cocculus, rhus toxicodendron, sul- 
phur, and from time to time, china, if it be very weak. 

MORBUS PEDICULARIS. 

Of all the diseases of the pig there is not one which, 
though it may extend to the entire body, is so diffi- 
cult of recognition during life. It consists of a greater 
or less development of insects, of about the size of a 



MORBUS PEDICULARIS 'OPHTHALMIA. 389 

millet-seed, which arise in greater or less number in 
the flesh and cellular tissue of all the parts of the body. 
When they are numerous, the animal loses appetite 
and pines away ; its lower jaw and cheeks swell, it 
grunts feebly and appears weak, as if paralyzed in the 
hind quarters. The breath is fetid, and the bristles 
readily come off: the disease called soie is observed 
to come on. The flesh is soft, the fat white and devoid 
of consistency ; it can neither be salted nor smoked. 
In former times this was much dreaded ; but at present 
it is well known, that though of a less agreeable 
flavor, it cannot injure ihe health of those who eat it. 
Like all intestinal worms, these are the production of 
a morbid change in the organism, which is rarely 
observable in pigs below two years of age, and which 
seems to be hereditary. The principal occasional 
causes are excess in eating, want of exercise in the 
open air, and want of cleanliness. Kali carbonium 
has been recommended. Wood-ashes, the ashes of 
the birch-tree in particular, are considered an excellent 
preservative ; a spoonful of it should be mixed several 
times during the week with the food. 

OPHTHALMIA. 

Ophthalmia is of frequent occurrence, more es- 
pecially in sucking pigs. The causes are, either ex- 
ternal injuries, or unclean styes, and total abstraction 
from the open air. The eyes are red and watery, the 
eyelids red, swollen, and glued together with mucus 
or pus, so that the animal can no longer see, and 
strikes against every object. If the inflammation has 
been occasioned by the introduction of a foreign body 
into the eye, it must be removed, and the eye washed 
with warm milk or water. One or two doses of 
acomlum, followed by several doses of arnica, which 
is also to be employed externally, soon remove the 
disease. When arnica does not suffice, conium is 
very useful. If the inflammation depend on an inter- 
33* 



390 PHTHIRIASIS. 

nal cause, in which case redness, tumefaction, heat, 
and pain are in general very great, we are also to 
commence with a few doses of aconitnm, which are to 
be followed by cannabis and belladonna. Spigelia 
also is a tried remedy, more especially when there is 
at the same time intense blepharitis. Ophthalmia fre- 
quently depends on cold, in which case it is to be 
treated with bryonid, dulcamara and euphrasia. If, 
after its removal, the cornea remain somewhat turbid, 
cannabis and conium are the chief remedies. When 
the spots have been the consequence of a blow, or of 
other mechanical causes, they are to be treated with 
cannabis and belladonna alternately, or else with conium. 
Ophthalmia is less common in the pig than in other 
domestic animals ; and it terminates more favorably, 
so that it is unusual to see pigs in a state of blindness. 

PHTHIRIASIS. 

Some swine are covered over with vermin, which 
even pierce the skin, and sometimes come out by the 
mouth, nose, and eyes. The animal mny be tormented 
by them to such a degree as to fall into a state of 
marasmus, and die from exhaustion. It does nothing 
but scrarch and rub itself. On removing the bristles, 
these parasitic insects are discovered, which may be 
recognized by their peculiar form. The most effect- 
ual and least dangerous remedy consists in the appli- 
cation of an ointment prepared with one part of 
parsley seeds bruised, and three of orange. A solu- 
tion has also been recommended, obtained by boiling 
six pints of vinegar and two of water, with one 
drachm of arsenic, until the metal is entirely dissolved ; 
but the application of this remedy requires much 
caution : the animal must be prevented from licking 
itself, nor must the entire body be even rubbed with it 
all at once. Internally sulphur should be given; and 
if there be great debility, china. Cleanliness also 
must be attended to, as well as the quality of the 
food. 



RED SWEAT ■ ASCITES — CATARRH. 391 



RE» SWEAT. 

In the pig, affected with this disease, different parts 
of the body, more especially the median line of the 
back, are covered with a red eruption, which ultimately 
extends over other regions. The animal is constantly 
rubbing itself, loses its bristles, and wastes away. The 
remedy is dulcamara, a dose of which should be taken 
daily for seven or eight days. 



SECTION III 



INTERNAL DISEASE. 



ASCITES. 



In this disease, which is not of frequent occurrence, 
the animal is sad and depressed, there is difficulty of 
respiring, it eats little, and its belly swells. When the 
abdomen is examined with the hand, fluctuation is 
felt. China and arsenicum, alternately administered, 
are the chief remedies to be employed. 

CATARRH, (PULMONARY.) 

Pulmonary catarrh is characterized chiefly by fits of 
coughing, which are sometimes accompanied with a 
mucous discharge from the nose and mouth, with red- 
ness of the naris. The remedy is nitrum (two or 
three doses.) If the disease be neglected, if also the 
pig continue exposed to cold and damp weather, the 



392 COLIC — DIARRHCEA. 

cough increases, the breathing becomes difficult, the 
animal wastes away, and at length dies exhausted. 

COLIC. 

Colic, which presents itself under two forms, windy 
colic and spasmodic colic, has for its principal charac- 
ters great reslessness, loss of appetite, moaning, con- 
stipation, occasionally also diarrhoea and vomiting. It 
is owing sometimes to the fact of the animal having 
eaten bad food very greedily, sometimes to its having 
been exposed to cold, or to the presence of worms in 
the intestines. In windy colic, where the stomach and 
intestines are very much distended with gases, the 
abdomen is distended, and yields a dull sound when 
struck. Colchicum autumnale is the remedy. With 
respect to the colic occasioned by cold, aconitum is the 
specific for it. At the end of two hours, arsenicum is 
to be given. If constipation remain after the colic 
has ceased, nux vomica, opium, and plumbum are to be 
employed. 

DIARRHCEA. 

Overloading the stomach, no uncommon occurrence 
in an animal so greedy as the pig, cold water drank 
after great heat, the use of unwholesome food, exposure 
to severe cold, &c, sometimes also some other chronic 
disease, frequently give rise to violent diarrhoea. 
Sometimes the animal suffers acute pains, complains 
much, rolls along the ground, and voids a considerable 
quantiiy of liquid and fetid fceces ; sometimes it makes 
great efforts to pass even a very small quantity of foeces 
mixed with bloody mucus, or even with pure blood 
(dysentery.) At times also there is observed a chronic 
flux, without any pain, of such a nature that the ani- 
mal passes all ihe food it takes without at all subject- 
ing it to the process of digestion. The treatment is to 
be regulated by the occasional cause. The diarrhoea 
which has come on after sudden exposure to cold, is 



ENCEPHALITIS — FRENZY. 393 

mostly cured under the influence of aconitum alone. 
If there be colic, arsenicum should be given, which is 
to be followed by ipecacuanha when the disease resists 
it. Diarrhoea occasioned by disturbance of the func- 
tions of the stomach is to be treated with arsenicum 
and Pulsatilla, and, in case of failure, with mercurius 
vivus ; if the appetite does not then return of itself, 
antimonium crudum soon restores it. Rheum is specific 
in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea. The diarrhoea 
which accompanies some other chronic disease is gen- 
erally the harbinger of approaching death, and should 
be considered with reference to the general affection 
to which it is attached. 

ENCEPHALITIS. 

Encephalitis generally commences suddenly, and 
without any precursory symptoms. It chiefly attacks 
fat pigs, when they run much during the heat of sum- 
mer, or when they cannot find sufficient to drink. 
The animal falls into a kind of furious delirium ; the 
eyes become red and sparkling ; its look is fierce ; the 
mouth is dry and hot, and a viscid saliva flows from 
it. The animal scrapes the ground with the fore feet, 
tears up the ground, runs wild in every direction, 
throws itself, as if blind, against the walls, and from 
time to time falls forward. A dose of aconitum every 
ten minutes or every quarter of an hour, then, at the 
end of from an hour and a half to two hours, bella- 
donna, also repeated at the end of two or three hours, 
are specifics for this disease. Sulphur is then given as 
consecutive treatment. 

FRENZY. 

This disease breaks out sometimes suddenly. The 
animal having remained in a passive and stupid state, 
suddenly appears much disturbed, to such a degree- 
that it makes irregular movements, strikes its head 
against everything it meets, scrapes with its feet, places 



394 GASTRITIS — • JAUNDICE 



ITCH. 



itself quite erect along the walls, bites all around it, 
and whirls itself round, after which it suddenly becomes 
once more tranquil. There is observed at the same 
time great emaciation, weakness of digestion, and a 
loaded tongue. Belladonna is the best remedy ; sel- 
dom more than two or three doses are required. 

GASTRITIS. 

Gastritis in pigs is caused by the heating plants eaten 
by these animals ; it may also depend on food of too 
stimulating a nature. The animal exhibits extreme 
agitation ; it chews incessantly, grunts almost unre- 
mittingly, and strives to conceal itself; it becomes 
convulsed at the mouth, from which froth sometimes 
flows. Generally also there exists a disposition to 
vomit, and sometimes even actual vomiting. In cer- 
tain cases the entire body is gradually struck with 
paralysis. The remedies are aconiium and arsenicum 
taken alternately. Carbo vegetabilis also has been 
useful. 

JAUNDICE. 

This disease, which always appears after an affection 
of the liver, is only developed gradually. It is recog- 
nized chiefly by the yellow tint of the conjunctiva of 
the eye, the absence of appetite, and the evident de- 
jection of the animal, which wastes away very much. 
Sometimes also there is remarked some tendency to 
vomiting. The principal remedies are : china, nux 
vomica, mercurius vivus, and sulphur, Lycopodium 
may also be tried. 

ITCH, (GALE.) 

In proportion to other animals, the itch rarely oc- 
curs in pigs; it is recognized by the animal frequently 
rubbing and scratching itself. On minute examina- 
tion, there are observed on the skin small vesicles^ 



PNEUMONIA. 395 

which give out a viscid fluid, and are then covered 
with a thin or thick scab. The bristles usually fall off, 
and are worn away by the constant frictions of the 
animal. If, as is generally the case, the disease as- 
sumes the dry form, sepia and sulphur are to be em- 
ployed ; otherwise staphysagria, dulcamara, and sul- 
phur, are to be employed. 

The eruption, which is more particularly observed 
in sucking pigs when the mother is too well fed, is not 
dangerous of itself, but it lessens the value of the ani- 
mal, by causing it to waste away very much. It ap- 
pears around the mouth and on the eyes, which ap- 
pear sometimes inflamed ; also on the ears, and pre- 
sents itself under the form of a thick brown scab which 
oozes out a fluid. It appears to be accompanied with 
itching. When it has attained an extreme degree, it 
prevents the animal from seeing. The remedies for 
this are dulcamara, and veratrum album, followed by 
one or two doses of sulphur, which should be admin- 
istered also two or three times to the mother. 



PNEUMONIA 

Occurs from different causes, such as drinking cold 
water after having been heated,' the sudden changes 
of the atmosphere in summer, &c. ; it renders pigs liable 
to be affected with inflammation of the lungs ; there 
are then observed violent beatings of the flanks and 
short breathing ; they are heard to complain and carry 
the head down ; their grunting is weak and hoarse ; 
appetite none, thirst great ; the animal seldom lies 
down ; it frequently rests its breast on the ground, 
which it scrapes up occasionally ; a certain degree of 
stiffness is observed in its fore-limbs. After some time 
it ceases to grunt, remains for entire days stretched on 
the ground without moving, and at length dies from 
the eighth to the fourteenth day. One dose of aconUum 
every half hour, and Bryonia at the end of from three 



396 TYMPANITIS. 

to four hours, are useful in this case. Sometimes when 
the disease is not recognized at once, when it is treated 
badly, or when it is neglected, it degenerates into 
gangrene, which is recognized principally by the fetid 
state of the breath and a discharge from the nose ; the 
animal remains almost constantly lying down ; it groans 
and its breathing is short. The chief remedies, when 
the disease has not made too much progress, are ?iitrum, 
and if that fail, china in multiple doses, then stannum^ 
phosphorus, calcarea, carhonica, &c. 

PROLAPSUS OF THE RECTUM. 

Prolapsus of the rectum is observed chiefly in sucking 
pigs, which receive nourishment either too plentifully or 
too heating. The lower end of the intestine is everted 
on itself, and projects outwards. The projecting portion 
should be cleansed with warm water, and returned back 
to its place with the fingers when well oiled. Internally 
arsenicum should be given, and when the rectum itself 
exhibits signs of inflammation, belladoiina and mer cu- 
rious vivus. When the prolapsus takes place in conse- 
quence of violent efforts during constipation, murias 
magnesia should be administered, and if there be at the 
same time diarrhoea, argilla must be employed. In a 
case where the rectum had been seriously injured acci- 
dentally, I employed arnica externally, with arnica 
water internally, and in the form of injection, and the 
animal was saved. 

TYMPANITIS. 

This disease, which is often associated with gastritis 
or enteritis, is chiefly owing to food producing gaseous 
distention, eaten in too great quantities. The gases 
distend the stomach and intestines, so as to render the 
belly tympanitic, so that it sounds like a drum when 
struck. The animal becomes very restless, eats nothing, 



VOMITING. 397 

and dies, if haste be not made to afford relief. The 
remedy is colchicum autumnale, two or three doses of 
which, are sufficient to remove all the symptoms in the 
space of an hour. 

VOMITING. 

The vomiting to which some pigs are very liable 
deprives them of appetite ; it causes them to waste 
away, and even proves fatal to them when it lasts for 
a length of time. Veratrum album and, in difficult 
cases, cuprum, are the principal remedies to be em- 
ployed. Pulsatilla, arsenicum, and anlimonium, are the 
proper remedies. 



34 



PARI VI. 



DISEASES OF GOATS 



SECTION I. 



GENERALITIES. 



Mountaineers are the only class of persons who 
keep great flocks of goats, because they can send 
them to graze on hillocks and in woods, where they 
can commit no havoc, a thing unavoidable in plains, 
where these animals would lay waste the fields and 
destroy the trees. However, the goat is so very 
useful an animal, its milk being very abundant and 
much richer than that of the cow, that small flocks 
of them are to be found almost everywhere. In 
order to render this work as complete as possible, 
I deemed it necessary to give here a short sketch 
of the diseases to which they are liable ; diseases, by 
the way, which resemble very much those of the 
sheep. 

A great many diseases may be avoided by carefully 
selecting the beasts, and taking proper care of them. 
A good goat should have the body long, the croup 
broad, the legs short, the belly pendent, and the 



GENERALITIES. 399 

mamma) full ; it should have the eye clear, the face 
sprightly and lively, the appetite good, and eat without 
selection all the food of a wholesome quality, which 
may be presented to it. It should not be less than 
one, nor more than six, years of age. The rutting 
lasts in the goat from the month of October to the 
commencement of December, and recommences about 
fifteen days after parturition. It is necessary to take 
advantage of this circumstance, because one may 
procure the advantage of two breeds a year : for 
though a goat may be milked for an entire year after 
it has had a kid, yet it gives milk in greater quantity, 
and of better quality, when it has been twice impreg- 
nated ; but it is necessary to watch the precise season 
attentively, as the second heat lasts only twenty-four 
hours. It is recognized by the restlessness of the ani- 
mal, which bleats frequently, with a peculiar voice, and 
wags its tail ; the entrance of the vagina is swollen, and 
some drops of blood escape from it from time to time. 
Besides, goats do not always conceive at the first 
coition, and after they have received the male, it is 
necessary to examine, whether they might not still 
present signs of rutting. They carry their young 
from twenty to twenty-one weeks, and give birth to 
one, two, or sometimes even to three young ones ; 
however, they can suckle not more than two, and if 
they give birth to three, it is necessary to give one to 
be suckled by another mother. The best goats to 
be preserved are those of spring, because it is easier 
to bring them up in summer than in winter. Those 
which are intended to be kept must suck for six 
weeks ; during this time they learn to eat grass on 
the pasture, or fodder from the stall. They thrive 
better, however, on the green grass than on hay. 
When they are intended for killing, it should be about 
the end of three weeks. In order to wean them, they 
are kept tied up, as well as the mother. When wean- 
ed, fodder is given them four times a day, but never 



400 ANOREXIA. 

more than they can consume at a time ; otherwise they 
become voracious, they seek out the best herbage, 
trample the rest under their feet, and would rather 
fast than eat it. 

With respect to the bringing up of goats, they are 
led to the fields, or fed in the stall. The best pastures 
are mountainous meadows, full of aromatic grass, and 
interspersed with shrubs. If goats are kept constantly 
in the stable, care must be taken not to give them 
always the same fodder, as they would soon tire of it. 
In summer all herbage suits them : salad leaves or 
cabbage leaves, pods of peas, or kidney beans, carrot- 
tops, young shoots of hawthorn, of the willow, of the 
beech, &c, and especially vine leaves. In winter dry 
leaves should be given to them, potatoes, carrots, red 
beet, cabbages, straw of the oat, rye, wheat, barley, 
vetch, kidney beans, peas, lentil ; the best of all is 
short mountain hay. This fodder should be given to 
them every evening, and twice a day more should be 
given. Bran and water is useful to increase their 
milk ; but in too large quantity it fattens them. The 
water for their drink should be clear, and in sufficient 
quantity. It is good to add to it a little salt from time 
to time. 

The stable should be spacious and airy ; otherwise 
it injures the health of goats very much. It should 
be warm in winter, these animals being badly able to 
bear cold. A rack should be set up in it two feet 
from the ground, and below these should be a broad 
curb to receive the food that may escape, and to pre- 
vent it from falling on the ground, where it might be 
trampled beneath the feet. 

ANOREXIA. 

The diminution and absence of appetite are usually 
symptoms of a general morbid state, on the cessation 
of which they are observed to disappear of themselves. 



EMACIATION WOUNDS. 401 

It frequently happens, however, that without giving 
any particular signs of disease, the animal ceases to 
eat, wastes away, loses its milk, and becomes gradually 
emaciated. In this case there is almost invariably a 
bad state of digestion. The chief means are antimo- 
nium crudum, and arsenicum, and when there is at the 
same time constipation, nux vomica. If there exists 
diarrhoea, chamomilla and Pulsatilla are to be adminis- 
tered, the latter more especially when, the animal re- 
fuses to drink. When the anorexia is owing to damag- 
ed food we should have recourse to arsenicum album ; 
when it depends on cold, it is cured by bryonia. 

EMACIATION. 

In general, emaciation is owing to a bad state of the 
digestive organs, or to some internal disease. The 
animal evinces but little appetite, wastes away in spite 
of the best feeding and is very weak. The chief reme- 
dies are arsenicum and china. If there be constipation 
at the same time, nux vomica is a proper medicine, as 
also Pulsatilla, in case of diarrhoea, and when the ani- 
mal has a depraved appetite for things incapable of 
nourishing. Emaciation is often the effect of a general 
morbid state, which must be investigated and comba- 
ted by appropriate means. If the disease is of long 
standing, it will be well to commence the treatment 
with some doses of sulphur, which it is well to admin- 
ister from time to time, under the name of an intercur- 
rent remedy. 

WOUNDS. 

The first condition to cure a wound is to keep it as 
clean as possible. All foreign bodies, therefore, should 
be carefully removed, and the part should be washed 
several times a day with cold water. Arnica water is 
sufficient to effect a speedy cure ; this substance need 
not be administered internally, except in rather exten- 
34* 



402 FALLING OFF OF THE HAIR. 

sive wounds. If suppuration has set in, we are to pro- 
ceed as we stated in speaking of the diseases of hor- 
ses. 



SECTION II. 

EXTERNAL DISEASES. 



FEET, (DISEASES OF THE.) 

Pointed bodies, thorns, or other substances of the 
kind, frequently enter into the feet of goats, which acci- 
dent makes them limp. Such foreign bodies should be 
extracted at the moment, then the part affected should 
be sprinkled over with arnica water. When it is taken 
in time, the treatment is always successful. But if the 
disease be neglected, aconitum and squilla, when there 
is only mere inflammation ; and arsenicum when the 
pains are acute. If ulceration has come on, the treat- 
ment should be the same as in the case of oxen. 

Foot-rot is not uncommon in goats, particularly in 
those which are kept in damp and unclean stables. 
The effects and treatment are the same as in sheep. 

FALLING OFF OF THE HAIR. 

The falling off of the hair, after which there are 
very considerable portions of the skin laid bare, may 
be connected with different causes. It may be the 
consequence of itch, in which case the treatment re- 
quired by the latter disease is to be resorted to. If it 
depend on a general internal disease, which shows 
itself by constant irritation of the skin, obliging the 
animal to scratch itself continually, which is the more 
common occurrence, sulphur is the remedy to be era- 
ployed : it generally requires to be employed for a 
considerable time. Psoricum may also be tried under 
such circumstances. Very often the falling off of the 






OPHTHALMIA COLIC. 403 

hair is owing to bad or insufficient diet, or to debility 
of the digestive function ; sulphur and arsenicum are 
to be then employed, care being taken to remove the 
causes, among which stables too hot and very un- 
wholesome hold the first place. If alopecia has super- 
vened after sudden exposure to cold, or after founder- 
ing, produced by this cause, it yields to bryonia, and 
to acidum nitri. 

OPHTHALMIA. 

Ophthalmia is the disease of the eye most frequently 
met in goats. The eye is closed, swollen, and red 
internally : the animal weeps much, the lids are glued 
together with mucus. The causes are very varied ; 
the inflammation may depend on a blow, a thorn, 
great heat, on the exhalations of an unwholesome 
stable, on damaged food, or food to which the animal 
is unaccustomed, or too nutritious. The treatment 
varies according to the cause, which it is necessary to 
investigate. Thus foreign bodies are to be removed 
in this case, as also after all external violence, arnica 
is to be employed, both externally and internally, and 
if that do not suffice, conium. When the inflammation 
is acute, and accompanied with much lachrymation, 
some doses of aconitum should first be employed, then 
euphrasia. If the disease last for a certain time, we 
must have recourse to sulphur and to causticum. Ar- 
senicum is peculiarly applicable when it depends on 
damaged food. 



SE CTION III 

INTERNAL DISEASES. 



COLIC. 



Colic from constipation is very common in goats, 
especially when they eat flour or bran imperfectly 



404 COUGH. 

diluted. The principal signs by which it is recognized 
are these : the animal refuses its food : it lies down 
frequently and abruptly on the ground, but soon rises, 
looks at its belly anxiously, and commences sweating 
on the neck, flanks, and between the hind legs, whilst 
the ears, muzzle, and feet are cold. The pulse is 
quick, small, wiry, and scarcely perceptible : the 
breathing is constrained and loud. The disease 
readily assumes an inflammatory character, and in 
such case a few days suffice to kill the animal. A 
dose of aconihim, followed by two doses of nux vomica, 
effects a cure in a short space of time ; if the animal 
is not then restored to its healthy state, one dose of 
arsenicum will suffice to restore it. 

Aconitum is the specific for colic occasioned by cold, 
which is of frequent occurrence. 

Green clover, especially when very young or moist, 
and eaten in too large quantity, causes a peculiar form 
of colic, to be noticed under the article Meteoriza- 
tion. 

COUGH. 

The effects of exposure to cold, cold and damp air, 
a sudden change of season, often occasion in goats a 
cough, which is not dangerous, and almost always 
ceases unaided by medicine, after eight or fifteen days, 
the animal retaining its sprightliness, appetite, and 
plumpness. When it is long continued, when it is 
accompanied with a greater or less mucous discharge 
from the nose, when there comes on a beating of the 
flanks, particularly during motion, when the animal 
wastes away, and loses its strength, there is danger 
that the disease may terminate in dropsy or marasmus, 
and that it may occasion death. Those prolonged 
coughs are frequently the result of bad food, more 
especially damaged hay, or damp straw ; in such 
cases, arsenicum should be resorted to. In other re- 
spects the treatment differs not from that to be employed 
with oxen. 



DROPSY ENCEPHALITIS. 405 

DROPSY. 

Dropsy, which is rather uncommon in goats, gen- 
erally recognizes for its occasional cause a moist, 
marshy meadow. Its cause, properly so called, is 
most frequently a disease of some of the abdominal 
viscera, particularly the liver. Its characters are, loss 
of appetite, irregular digestion, shortness of breathing, 
cough, emaciation, and weakness; but above all 
swelling of the belly, in which fluctuation is easily 
perceived. China and arsenicum, taken alternately, 
and when they do not suffice, helleborus, are the rem- 
edies from which we should expect relief, if the cure 
were still possible ; but this cure, is a very hazardous 
thing, in consequence of the readiness with which 
dropsy degenerates into gangrene. 
DISEASE FROM FEEDING IN THE WOODS. 

This disease is produced in goats which eat much of 
the bark of trees or shrubs. The hairs of the head 
stare ; the appetite is lost, and the secretion of milk 
diminishes ; generally also there is diarrhoea, with vio- 
lent colics, which is recognized by the curvature of the 
back, and by the animal frequently looking at his 
flanks. The medicine to be employed is rheum (a few 
doses), after which, if the appetite is not soon restored, 
one or two doses of arsenicum are to be given. If 
those medicines do not suffice to bring back also the 
secretion of milk, one or two doses of chamomilla are 
to be taken. 

ENCEPHALITIS. 

Inflammation of the brain, oftentimes brought on by 
the sun's rays, when goats remain in the open air for 
the entire day in summer, without any shelter during 
the hot part of the day, is more uncommon among 
the female than among the male-goats, where it seems 
to be connected with deficient gratification of the 
venereal appetite. The animal is sad, it neither eats 
nor drinks, it is continually standing up and lying down 
as if stupid, allows its head to hang down to the 



406 



HEMATURIA- DISEASES OF THE MAMM^. 



ground, and strays about in every direction, stagger- 
ing, without knowing whither it goes. The head, ears, 
and horns are hot, the eyes prominent, bright, and 
fixed. The first remedy is aconitum, one dose at first 
every hour, and subsequently every two hours. After 
the fourth or sixth dose, we should wait for some time 
until the medicine produces its effects, then a dose of 
belladonna should be administered, which is to be re- 
peated after the lapse of from eight to ten hours, and 
much sooner if the disease has attained a high degree 
of severity. If belladonna fail, a dose of hyoscyamus 
should be tried ; and if the animal be furious, veratrum 
album should be given. During the treatment, the 
patient should be kept in a cool stable. If the disease 
be caused in the male by the non-gratification of the 
venereal appetite, after having quieted the inflamma- 
tion by the means above mentioned, we must have 
recourse to cantharides, nux vomica, or opium, accord- 
ing to the nature of the symptoms still subsisting. 
HEMATURIA. 
The signs and causes of staling blood are the same 
as in the case of oxen and sheep. The disease is often 
owing to nephritis, or at least to blows or injuries in- 
flicted on the renal region, in which case it yields to 
some doses of aconitum, followed by cantharides. But 
it more frequently depends on bad food. We must 
then prevent the cause, or change the mode of diet. 
If this precaution be not sufficient, one or two doses 
of ipecacuanha should be given. Arnica is always 
indicated when the affection is the result of external 
violence. 

MAMMiE (DISEASES OF THE.) 

Induration of the nipple in goats is generally the 
effect of cold ; but it may also depend on other causes. 
It is accompanied or not by cessation of the milk se- 
cretion, and there may or may not be pains. If there 
be swelling and redness, bryonia is the medicine to be 
employed, and when the mammary glands are swollen, 



PNEUMONIA INFLAMMATION OF THE BELLY. 407 

chamomilla. Should the disease be occasioned by ex- 
ternal injury, arnica is to be employed, both externally 
and internally ; then, if it be deemed necessary, one 
or two doses of conium. Aconitum and mercurius 
vivins are excellent in obstinate cases. 

PNEUMONIA. 

Inflammation of the lungs is almost always the con- 
sequence of a cold occasioned by chilling or damp 
weather, or by staying in low and damp pastures, 
which, generally speaking, are not fit for goats. It is 
chiefly indicated by short and hurried breathing, with 
beating of the flanks, short and painful cough, accel- 
eration of the pulse (70 to 90, instead of from 60 to 
70,) tremors, w r hich alternate with shiverings, intense 
thirst, total loss of appetite, and suppression of the 
alvine dejections, which are, at least, scanty and dry. 
The ears, muzzle, and legs, are either cold or hotter 
than usual, the animal never lies down. During three 
or four hours there should be given every quarter of 
an hour a dose of aconitum, and on the following days 
one or two doses of bryonia should be given. 
ITCH. 

This disease manifests itself by pustules and small 
ulcerations on the skin, which ooze, forming scabs, 
and compel the animal, by the itching they occasion, 
to scratch and rub itself constantly, the results of 
which are excoriations and falling off of the hair. 
There are two species of this disease : the dry and 
the moist. In the former the secretion is not very 
great, and there are produced only thin, furfuraceous 
scabs ; in the other, on the contrary, thick scabs and 
suppurating ulcers are formed. These two forms of 
the disease arise either from infection or from some 
internal disease. The treatment is the same as that 
for sheep. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BELLY. 

Under this term are included all the inflammatory 



408 METEORIZATION VERTIGO. 

states of the organs situate in the abdominal cavity. In 
goats these states are almost always brought on by 
colds. They are characterized by the total loss of 
appetite, hurried respiration, strong pulsation of the 
flanks, quick and hard pulse, alternations of heat and 
cold in the ears and horns. Several doses of aconitum in 
rapid succession, and then one or two doses of arsen- 
icum, are in general sufficient to remove this danger- 
ous disease, which, when not attacked till too late, 
soon passes into gangrene, and so catfses death. 

Inflammations of the chest differ from those of the 
abdomen in this, that the animal so affected does not 
lie down at all, a thing which may also occur, at least, 
very often in the latter. 

METEORIZATION. 

The causes and signs are the same as in horned 
cattle and sheep. This affection is usually observed 
a little after returning from the meadow ; the animal 
swells suddenly, constantly shakes its head, utters 
cries, and falls dead in a very little time. Colchicum 
is the remedy, and also nux vomica when after the dis- 
ease there remains obstinate constipation. If the ap- 
petite and rumination do not return promptly, one or 
two doses of arsenicum should be given . 

VERTIGO. 

Vertigo, in goats, is the result of a flow of blood to 
the head, or of long exposure to the rays of the sun. 
The ears and horns are hotter than usual, the eyes are 
bright, prominent and full of tears ; it roams about at 
hazard, without knowing whither it is going. As soon 
as these symptoms are observed, a dose of aconitum 
should be given, which should be repeated two days 
consecutively, two or three times each day ; if not 
removed, recourse must be had to belladonna, sul- 
phur, Sfc. 

THE END. 






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